Mike Musto and Vinny Russo discuss the art of finding the Perfect Beater.

Over the past three years, Hemmings has delved deeply into video and live events. This journey began in 2021 with a comprehensive revamp of their main YouTube channel (@hemmingsmotornews) and was followed by the revival of the Musclepalooza live event series. To say things are going swimmingly would not be an overstatement. In this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto chats with Hemmings Creative Director Dan Stoner. They discuss Hemmings' latest and upcoming video productions, as well as an exciting event set to take place during this year's Pebble Beach Car Week in Monterey, California.

Frequent Hot Rod BBQ guest Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV has recently made a significant purchase: the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition, one of today's most coveted SUVs. This latest Land Cruiser marks a complete overhaul after decades of incremental updates. Interestingly, it now positions itself as a direct contender against the upcoming 2025 Toyota 4Runner, sparking curiosity among enthusiasts. Given Ryan's extensive familiarity with both vehicles and his recent feature of the new Land Cruiser on Driving Sports TV, we sought his firsthand impressions to understand just how impressive this new model truly is.

Navigating the diverse landscape of pickup trucks can be quite overwhelming. From the various cab configurations to the array of drive options, the choices seem endless. Add to that the distinctions between compact, mid-size, full-size, light-duty, heavy-duty, and medium-duty trucks, with each offering a range of engine options and construction styles, and the decision becomes even more complex. With prices spanning from the low $20k to well over $100k, selecting the ideal pickup can feel like a daunting task. To help navigate this terrain, Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV teams up with host Mike Musto to delve into the intricacies of modern-day pickup trucks and lend some insights to help you determine which make and model could be right for you.

The ultimate beater car is one you don't fret over. It's the city street parker, the lot dweller, and the one that liberates you from the worries of daily driving. Whether it's a salt-scarred winter warrior, a pre-dinged deterrent to thieves, or a worn-out farmhand, the beater is a highly underrated motoring gem that many enthusiasts relish. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast host Mike Musto welcomes longtime friend, industry consultant, and one of his closest automotive confidants to discuss the art behind obtaining the perfect beater.

Let's break down some eye-opening figures for 2024. According to Fortune.com, the average price of a new car stands at $47,338.00. Pair that with the average new car payment of $738.00 or the slightly lower average new car lease payment of $606.00, as reported by LendingTree.com. Meanwhile, the average payment on a used vehicle comes in at $538.00.   These numbers hit hard because they underscore the financial strain many Americans face. To afford these payments, you'd ideally be earning around $60,000 annually, which incidentally is just about what the average American makes at $59,384 per year. And remember, that's before factoring in essentials like housing costs, student loans, insurance, utilities, and the ever-present expenses of raising a family.   It's a stark reality: auto loans trail only home mortgages as the largest category of debt in the country. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod Podcast, Mike Musto and Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV dissect this phenomenon and try to uncover its roots.

Dan Stoner, Hemmings Creative Director, is no stranger to project cars. From his Stoner-T with its blown HEMI, to a killer little T-bucket, a flat bottom drag boat, and of all things, an Edsel, some would say that Mr. Stoner is indeed, and automotive masochist. Case in point, a 1952 Henry J that once belonged to his dad, and that Dan has now taken under his wing for a restoration and rebirth if you will - but here's the thing, the car hasn't been on the road since 1967. Originally purchased by his father back in the late 1950s, it was used as a daily driver for some time. It then went to a family member, until after years of use the little Henry J was put out to pasture in the family barn until Dan rescued it and shipped it to California. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ, Dan Stoner sits down with host Mike Musto to tell us what's in store for the Henry J that's been in his family for almost 70 years.

On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast, host Mike Musto and Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV are diving into the highly anticipated 2025 Toyota 4Runner, and more importantly, what sets it apart from the outgoing generation. They then delve into the world of limited and or special edition automobiles and uncover if they're worth it to buy and own.   It's then onto Hemmings' latest automotive extravaganza: Musclepalooza! The inaugural event at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, PA this past weekend was an adrenaline-fueled blast, featuring high-octane drag races, a killer car show, heart-pounding dyno tests, and of course, a burnout contest. With three more shows in the pipeline, Musclepalooza 2024 is revving up to be a premier automotive series in the U.S. so make sure to visit hemmings.com/musclepalooza for the details on upcoming shows.   So, kick back, pour yourself a yummy beverage, and join us for a brand-new episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ!

Over the last two decades, the idea of what a pro-touring or resto-mod car is has been drastically redefined. In the beginning we were treated to mild suspension and drivetrain modifications, but now, with advancements in technology and manufacturing, these cars have been sent to heights that have redefined what's possible. Wisconsin based Speedkore is one such coach builder that is taking the idea of what a custom car can be and flipping it on its head and their latest creation, a 1970 Dodge Charger simply known as "GHOST" is a prime example of that. With a body that's constructed entirely from carbon fiber, a bespoke chassis, and an interior that should be the topic of design studio discussions, Speedkore is reimagining what classic vehicles can be. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast host Mike Musto sits down with Senior Business Development Manager, Tom Porter and Lyle Brummer, Speedkore's Director of Design to learn a little bit more about how Speedkore creates some of the most brilliant coach-built vehicles on the road today.

In the vast world of motorsports, enthusiasts have an abundance of disciplines to choose from. Whether it's the rush of circle track racing, the finesse of drifting, the precision of road course events, or the rugged excitement of off-roading, there's something for every speed enthusiast. Yet, among these options, drag racing stands out for its remarkable accessibility to both participants and fans.   On the latest episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto talks with Bill Bader, President of Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, to explore the significance of drag racing in the United States and they delve into why there's a need to reignite interest in what may be the most accessible form of motorsport.

There's no question that today's SUVs and crossovers are far more advanced than their predecessors from just a decade ago. From their complex suspension and off-road systems to their different drive modes and transmissions, to their now, hybrid, electric and turbocharged powertrains, these everyday family haulers are more intricate than ever. But is all this technology necessary and even wanted by the consumer, and ultimately, does it make these machines better? Oh, and don't even get us started on the cost.   To help us answer these questions and more we're joined today by Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV. Ryan's specialty is reviewing the latest and greatest in the off-road and SUV segment, and he even has his own test facility to do it. So, if you're in the market for a new crossover, off-roader, or SUV, this is an episode you'll not want to miss!