It’s almost been one full year of Cool Cars with Chris, and in this solo episode I’m sharing the story behind the podcast, why I started it, and what’s coming next.My podcasting journey started back in 2019 and eventually led to shows like The Kris and Kristine Show and Podtastic Audio. But after major life changes in 2025, I decided I didn’t want to keep making a show about how to podcast. I wanted podcasting to be fun again.That’s where Cool Cars with Chris came from.Inspired by the memories of owning my Nissan 370Z and the pure enjoyment of driving a fun car, I created a show focused less on spec sheets and more on the real experience of owning and driving cool cars.In this episode, I talk about:How I got started in podcastingWhy I launched Podtastic AudioWhy I ended that show in 2025How my Nissan 370Z inspired Cool Cars with ChrisWhy this car podcast focuses on the emotion of drivingThe first guests and cars featured on the showReaching listeners in around 54 countriesWhy I was releasing two episodes a weekWhy the show is moving back to weekly episodesWhy more video is coming to Cool Cars with ChrisHow you can get your own cool car featured on the podcastIf you love cool cars, car culture, automotive stories, driving experiences, and car podcasts, make sure you follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.Have a cool car you want to showcase? Visit CoolCarsWithChris.com and send me a message.Follow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:

Monterey Car Week isn’t just a car show — it’s an entire region turning into automotive Disneyland for a week.In this episode, Chris catches up with Courage from The Driven Dad, who’s reporting from the Monterey area as exotic cars, rare classics, hypercars, auctions, enthusiast meets and track events start taking over California’s Central Coast.What’s it actually like to be in Monterey during Car Week? Courage gives us the on-the-ground experience: crazy cars appearing in normal traffic, trailers unloading serious machinery, smaller meetups happening all over town, and the feeling that almost anything could roll past you at any moment.And yes… the really wild stuff shows up too.We’re talking Koenigsegg, Pagani, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche and other machines that most of us usually only see online, in magazines or in video games.The conversation also heads over to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where Courage is staying close enough to hear cars attacking the track from outside. Chris and Courage talk about the legendary Corkscrew, the wild Corkscrew Hillclimb, elevation changes, track driving, engine temperatures, race oil and what happens when you start pushing a performance car harder than you would on the street.Plus, they get into the other side of Monterey Car Week that doesn’t always get talked about: the crowds, traffic, police presence, local residents, automotive auctions and what it takes to move some of these million-dollar cars around safely.And Monterey isn’t just about hypercars. Chris and Courage also talk Nissan 300ZXs, Hyundai N cars, British cars, classic cars, online auctions, Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids and why you don’t necessarily need a seven-figure supercar to have a great time during Car Week.Courage also shares how the trip has become a family tradition, including the long drive north, stopping in Solvang, exploring Monterey with the kids and turning one of the biggest automotive weeks of the year into a proper road-trip vacation.If you’re into Monterey Car Week, Laguna Seca, exotic cars, supercars, hypercars, car auctions, performance cars, road trips or automotive culture, this one is for you.What Monterey Car Week is really like from the groundWhy exotic and hypercars suddenly seem to be everywhere

What happens when car manufacturers decide a normal trim package just isn’t enough?On this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage take a trip through automotive history to explore some of the weirdest factory edition cars ever made. We’re talking unusual brand collaborations, wild color combinations, denim-inspired interiors, and special editions that could only have come from their particular era.First up is the 1973 AMC Gremlin Levi’s Edition, an unlikely collaboration between AMC and Levi’s that brought blue-jean style inside one of the 1970s’ most recognizable cars. Would something this unusual actually be desirable today?Then things get even more colorful with the Volkswagen Golf Harlequin. With mismatched red, yellow, blue and green body panels straight from the factory, the VW Harlequin looks like someone built a Golf using whatever painted panels happened to be lying around. Chris and Courage debate whether they’d actually drive one — and why this bizarre Volkswagen has become such a memorable piece of automotive history.Finally, they revisit a special edition that was much more common: the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition. The partnership between Ford and outdoor clothing brand Eddie Bauer became closely associated with Ford SUVs and helped turn a simple appearance package into something buyers instantly recognized.But before getting into the weird factory editions, Chris and Courage talk car culture, speeding, police attention and modified cars. Chris discusses the temptation of owning a fast Nissan 370Z, while Courage talks about track events and the difficulty of finding safe, legal places where enthusiasts can really experience their cars. They also get into California car laws, CARB-legal modifications, state refs, aftermarket exhausts, and why some modified cars attract more attention than others. The conversation ultimately comes back to something every car enthusiast understands: we want our cars to feel like our cars. Whether it’s a factory special edition, a Roush F-150, custom wheels, an exhaust, or even a license plate, making a vehicle different is a huge part of car culture.Which would you rather own: the Levi’s AMC Gremlin, VW Golf Harlequin, or Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition?

Is Monterey Car Week really the greatest automotive event on Earth?If you've ever dreamed of seeing Bugattis, Ferraris, Paganis, Koenigseggs, McLarens, Lamborghinis, and million-dollar classics driving down public streets, then Monterey Car Week belongs at the top of your automotive bucket list.Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into the center of the car universe. Legendary events like Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, The Quail Motorsports Gathering, Laguna Seca, and world-famous collector car auctions bring together some of the rarest, fastest, and most valuable automobiles ever built.In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage break down what Monterey Car Week is really like—from the perspective of enthusiasts who simply love cars.Whether you're planning your first trip or wondering if all the hype is justified, this episode covers everything from incredible car spotting and exotic supercars to luxury auctions, unforgettable experiences, and a few realities you probably won't hear anywhere else.Along the way, the conversation also wanders into Tesla charging, Robotaxis, modified cars, police enforcement, car photography etiquette, and why Monterey somehow feels like Disneyland for gearheads.If you're passionate about car culture, classic cars, supercars, hypercars, JDM, American muscle, European exotics, or simply enjoy hearing two friends talk about everything happening in the automotive world, you're going to love this episode.🏁 What makes Monterey Car Week one of the biggest automotive events in the world🏁 The difference between Pebble Beach and The Quail🏁 Why the world's rarest cars simply drive around town🏁 Million-dollar collector car auctions🏁 Laguna Seca during Car Week🏁 Hypercar spotting in Carmel and Monterey🏁 Tesla charging frustrations🏁 Tesla Robotaxis🏁 Corvette stereotypes (yes...we went there)🏁 Car photography etiquette🏁 Modified cars, exhaust laws, and police during Car Week🏁 Why Monterey should be on every enthusiast's bucket listFollow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and

What really goes into putting on a successful car show?In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris sits down with Justin Constant, founder of Local Car Scene, to pull back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes of Southern California's car shows and Cars & Coffee events.https://www.instagram.com/localcarscene/Justin shares how a passion for Mustangs and local car meets grew into organizing some of the region's largest automotive gatherings—bringing together hundreds of show cars, thousands of spectators, and raising thousands of dollars to support local students and the community.From finding venues and working with sponsors to managing crowds, promoting events, and building relationships that last for years, this episode explores the work most enthusiasts never get to see.The conversation also shifts into Ford Performance, where Justin discusses the Coyote 5.0 engine, Roush and Shelby performance packages, the Mustang GTD, modern truck performance, automotive photography, social media, and how authentic community has become the foundation of his career.Whether you love classic muscle, modern performance cars, Cars & Coffee, or simply enjoy the people behind automotive culture, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build something that keeps enthusiasts coming back month after month.How Justin built one of Southern California's largest car communitiesWhat really happens behind the scenes of a car showThe evolution of Cars & Coffee cultureOrganizing events with hundreds of cars and thousands of spectatorsWorking with Ford Performance, Roush, and Shelby vehiclesThe Mustang GTD and modern Ford performanceWhy the Coyote 5.0 continues to be a favorite among enthusiastsAutomotive photography and creating viral contentWhy community is the most important part of the car hobbyGiving back through local automotive eventsFollow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event

What started as a simple family road trip to Las Vegas quickly turned into one of the most stressful drives I've ever experienced.While crossing the Mojave Desert in 110° heat, my Ford F-150's 10-speed transmission suddenly started hunting for gears before completely slipping out of gear. With the transmission temperature climbing to 235°F, I honestly thought the truck wasn't going to make it home.In this episode, Courage and I break down exactly what happened, why Eco Mode may have contributed to the problem, how switching to Tow/Haul Mode helped get us safely back home, and the lessons every truck owner should know before taking a long road trip through extreme heat.We also talk about preparing your vehicle for summer travel, replacing aging tires before disaster strikes, visiting the Avants San Diego car community event, Alfa Romeo reliability stories, dealership experiences, and one surprising tool that helped me troubleshoot the problem while I was stranded on the side of the highway.If you own a Ford F-150—or any modern truck with a multi-speed automatic transmission—you won't want to miss this one.My Ford F-150 transmission scare in the Mojave DesertWhy the transmission temperature reached 235°FEco Mode vs. Tow/Haul Mode explainedHow I avoided getting stranded in the middle of nowhereWhy old tires can become dangerous on road tripsPreparing your vehicle for extreme summer drivingVisiting the Avants San Diego car communityAlfa Romeo reliability and dealership horror storiesModern truck technology: helpful or too complicated?Road trip lessons every driver should knowHave you ever had a vehicle leave you stranded—or almost?Follow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619

Courage drives Chris’s manual Nissan 370Z for the first time and shares his honest impressions of the Z’s weighted shifter, clutch feel, VQ engine, exhaust sound, handling and analog sports-car experience. They compare the naturally aspirated 370Z with modern turbocharged performance cars, including the different clutch engagement and power delivery of a Hyundai N.The original plan was a full car swap, but everything changed after a loose suitcase appeared on the freeway and damaged Courage’s front bumper. Chris and Courage break down the freeway road-debris accident, the split-second decision to swerve, possible intercooler damage, repair costs and the insurance process.They also discuss clutch failure warning signs, checking clutch and brake fluid, using AI to research unusual car noises, safely securing luggage for road trips, a rare 1996 Corvette Grand Sport, rising collector-car values and the low-mileage Honda CRX that sold for a shocking price.Hear Courage’s final rating of Chris’s Nissan 370Z and why the manual Z still delivers one of the most connected driving experiences available.Follow Cool Cars with Chris in your favorite podcast app, leave a rating and share the episode with another car enthusiast.Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:

NASCAR came to San Diego, and Courage was there to experience the action at Naval Base Coronado.In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage recap the NASCAR San Diego race weekend, including the Coronado road course, ferry transportation, base security, packed crowds, loud V8 engines and the challenges drivers faced on a rough temporary track. They also compare NASCAR road-course racing with traditional oval racing and discuss brakes, tires, crashes, barrier repairs and the intense sound of stock cars in person.Chris also shares his unexpected Jimmie Johnson connection, revealing that he attended the same high school as the NASCAR champion.Later, the conversation shifts to project cars, including Courage’s Nissan 300ZX and his search for an affordable fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z28. They discuss LT1 and LS engines, the “catfish” Camaro, buying damaged vehicles, setting a realistic project-car budget and searching Craigslist, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace for cheap cars.Follow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/00:00 AI smart highways and Southern California traffic03:32 Driving through Temecula and Murrieta08:03 I-15 traffic and the San Diego commute10:23 Are cheaper homes worth a longer commute?

Could the Genesis Magma GT become Hyundai’s first true supercar?In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage discuss the rise of KDM cars, the future of Hyundai N, and how Genesis is trying to compete with established performance and luxury brands.They break down the Magma GT’s possible V8-hybrid powertrain, mid-engine design, pricing, production potential, and whether buyers would choose it over a Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini.The conversation also covers the Elantra N, Veloster N, Genesis Coupe, Kia performance cars, exotic-car depreciation, Hyundai reliability, and why Korean performance cars are becoming more popular with enthusiasts.Would you buy a Genesis supercar?Follow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/00:00 San Diego Fair food and annual traditions05:20 Dream backyards, barbecues and a pretend swimming pool07:10 Hyundai Elantra road trip and rear-seat A/C struggles09:06 La Jolla Cars & Coffee and daily-driven exotics11:18 Should you drive an exotic or protect its value?13:51 Becoming a Hyundai and KDM car fan16:02 Mazda RX-8 rotary engines and CD-ROM nostalgia19:50 The Hyundai, Kia and Genesis relationship

Are manual transmissions disappearing—or are they becoming more desirable than ever?Chris is joined by Courage from The Driven Dad for a full conversation about learning to drive stick, teaching beginners how to use a clutch and why manual cars create a driving experience that even the fastest modern automatic cannot completely replace.Chris shares stories from learning in a bare-bones Mitsubishi Mighty Max, owning manual Ford, Mercury and Nissan vehicles, and returning to a six-speed Nissan Z after years of driving an automatic truck. Courage explains how he teaches first-time manual drivers, including a simple clutch-control exercise that can help beginners get moving without immediately burning up the clutch.They also discuss why manuals went from being the inexpensive “standard” transmission to a rare enthusiast option, whether driving stick still makes sense in heavy traffic and how modern paddle-shift, dual-clutch and 10-speed automatic transmissions have changed the argument.Later, Chris and Courage explore some of the new and used manual cars enthusiasts should consider, including the Nissan Z, Mazda Miata, Toyota GR86, Ford Mustang, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Camaro, Firebird, Jaguar F-Type, BMW M3, Dodge Viper, Hyundai Elantra N, Nissan 350Z and Nissan 370Z.The conversation wraps up with a bigger question: Do drivers really need more screens, apps and electronic features—or do they need a car that is simply fun to drive?In this episode:• How Chris and Courage learned to drive manual• The secret to understanding clutch engagement• Teaching a beginner without destroying your clutch• Why fewer people know how to drive stick• Could manual-driving lessons become a side hustle?• Manual versus automatic transmissions in daily traffic• New cars that still offer a manual transmission• Affordable used performance cars with stick shifts• Why modern automatics are faster but sometimes less engaging• The appeal of analog sports cars• Why the 350Z and 370Z remain popular enthusiast choices• Driving experience versus technology and luxury featuresFollow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage dive into Hyundai Elantra N modifications, Southern California Cars & Coffee culture, underrated performance cars, and the question every enthusiast debates: what really counts as a car mod? From rear diffusers, underglow, wheels, wraps, exhausts, turbos, and tunes to stickers and license plate frames, they break down the line between personalization and true modification. The conversation also covers Hyundai N performance, the possibility of a Genesis or Hyundai sports car, retired police cars, Mercury Marauders, rising Toyota 4Runner values, used SUV depreciation, car loan negative equity, leasing versus financing, California car modification and smog laws, and the growing impact of AI-generated automotive videos, fake podcasts, and online car content.Follow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://coolcarswithchris.com▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/00:00 Welcome to Cool Cars with Chris01:00 Beach Trips, Family Cars and Keeping Sand Out03:24 The Costco Sports-Car Challenge07:19 Courage’s Difficult Rear-Diffuser Installation09:52 Cars & Coffee and the Struggle to Wake Up Early13:40 The Growing Southern California Car Scene16:36 Balancing Cars, Content, Work and Family18:20 Who Actually Goes to Cars & Coffee?20:05 Night Car Meets, Takeovers an

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage discuss the reported return of the RAM TRX with 777 horsepower and whether high-performance street trucks are making a major comeback. They revisit legendary models like the RAM SRT-10, the original supercharged Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, while also exploring SRT, Scat Pack trucks, and the future of American V8 performance. The conversation covers the ultra-limited Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, rising gas prices, expensive truck fill-ups, fuel-pump maintenance, towing costs, Uber driving, electric vehicles, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Later, the guys dive into Cars and Coffee culture, Corvette-owner stereotypes, why enthusiasts should drive their sports cars, and the growing value of clean, unmodified Nissan 350Zs. They also compare the 350Z and 370Z, discuss high-mileage 370Z ownership, analog sports cars, BMW and Mercedes-Benz luxury appeal, and whether the Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers a more exciting enthusiast experience.In this episodeThe reported 777-horsepower RAM TRX returnRAM SRT-10 and Viper-powered trucksThe original Ford F-150 LightningAre street trucks making a comeback?Toyota Tacoma X-Runner and performance-truck conceptsCadillac CT5-V Blackwing pricing and exclusivityThe disappearance of American V8 sedansGas prices and expensive truck fill-upsThe half-tank fuel-pump debateTowing costs and track-day expensesUber driving, EVs and the Mustang Mach-ECars and Coffee cultureWhy enthusiasts should drive their carsAre clean Nissan 350Zs becoming collectible?Nissan 350Z versus 370ZHigh-mileage 370Z ownershipPerformance cars versus luxury badgesAlfa Romeo Giulia versus BMW and Mercedes-BenzFollow for MoreLove cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content.🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website:https://

This week on Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage are talking Fox Body Mustangs, demolition derby madness, double-decker cars, E85 fuel, oil-burning engines, Datsun finds, and the legendary “Mexican GTR.”Chris kicks things off with a story from back in the day: the time he secretly took his dad’s Fox Body 5.0 Mustang for a weekend joyride. Beach runs, friends in the car, racing a Z31 Nissan 300ZX, and trying to cover his tracks before dad checked the mileage — what could possibly go wrong?Then Courage recaps a packed car weekend, including a big Temecula car show with everything from classics and rat rods to JDM cars, supercars, and an Arizona iced tea-themed Subaru STI. After that, things get wild with a trip to a Perris demolition derby, featuring dirt track racing, trailer races, and the unforgettable double-decker derby cars — one driver on the gas, another on the steering wheel, and a whole lot of trust involved.The conversation also dives into classic car myths and garage talk, including whether sugar in the gas tank really kills an engine, old-school YouTube car torture experiments, running E85 fuel, Ford 5.0 Coyote oil consumption, VQ engines that burn oil, cylinder deactivation, and what happens when cars are pushed way past their limits.To wrap it up, Chris and Courage talk about hidden Datsun 240Z finds, engine swap ideas for old Datsun pickups, EcoBoost swaps, Coyote swaps, and the ultimate sleeper truck: the Coyote-powered F-150, also known as the Mexican GTR.If you love car stories, Mustang talk, sleeper builds, JDM cars, demolition derby chaos, and real car-guy conversations, this episode is for you.Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/Courage’s YouTube: 

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris sits down with Jesse Jackson, co-founder of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she's redefining auto repair through customer experience, innovative business practices, and a fresh approach to an industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades.Jesse shares her journey from the software industry into automotive repair, the story behind the Mango Automotive brand, and how the company grew from a single repair shop in 2021 to eight locations across New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas.The conversation explores the unique "Pink Wall Effect," why customer trust matters in auto repair, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all drivers, and how women are helping shape the future of the automotive industry.Chris and Jesse also discuss technician training, ASE certifications, shop acquisitions, employee development, vehicle maintenance, extended warranties, customer service, and the realities of operating a growing multi-location automotive business.Whether you're a car enthusiast, automotive professional, entrepreneur, repair shop owner, or simply someone looking to better understand vehicle maintenance and the auto repair industry, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important businesses keeping drivers on the road.Topics Covered:• How Jesse Jackson founded Mango Automotive• Growing from one repair shop to eight locations• The story behind the Mango Automotive name• The Pink Wall Effect and customer experience• Women in automotive repair• Hiring and training automotive technicians• ASE certifications and technician development• Auto repair shop acquisitions and business growth• Building company culture and employee retention• The economics of running an automotive repair business• Vehicle maintenance and preventative service• Extended warranties and common misconceptions• The most expensive automotive repairs• Customer trust and transparency in auto repair• Managing multiple locations and scaling operations• The future of the automotive repair industryGuest:Jesse JacksonCo-Founder, Mango AutomotiveConnect with Mango Automotive:https://www.mangoautomotive.com/

On this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, we're joined by Jeffrey Willerth of the Z Club of America at the legendary Willow Springs Raceway for a conversation about Datsun heritage, vintage racing, and the passion that keeps classic Z cars alive.Jeffrey shares the story of his beloved Datsun 260Z that was stolen and recovered, how it sat in storage for nearly 30 years before finally returning to the track, and what it takes to build and maintain race-ready classic Japanese sports cars. We also dive into the origins of the Z Club of America, the growth of the All Japan Showdown, track days at Willow Springs, and why the Datsun Z remains one of the most beloved enthusiast cars ever built.Whether you're a Nissan Z owner, Datsun enthusiast, racer, collector, or simply a fan of automotive history, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and motorsports passion.Topics discussed in this episode:• The history of Z Club of America• Racing at Willow Springs Raceway• Datsun 240Z and 260Z ownership• Vintage racing and track days• Restoring classic Japanese sports cars• The All Japan Showdown event• Building a dedicated race car• The Nissan Z community• Motorsport culture and driver education• Jeffrey's journey through seven different Z carsLinks & Resources🌐 Cool Cars With Chrishttps://coolcarswithchris.com/📺 Cool Cars With Chris YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619📸 Cool Cars With Chris Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/🏁 Z Club of Americahttps://zclubofamerica.com/📺 Courage YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22📸 Courage Instagramhttps:/

What's happening everybody!On this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, Courage is back from another track day with his Hyundai Elantra N, and he's getting closer than ever to reaching his goal of breaking into the 5-second club. We talk about his latest runs, the difference 95-octane fuel makes, Hyundai's unique octane learning system, and whether his new drag tires are helping him get the results he's after.We also get into rising gas prices, diesel fuel costs, and even the world of red-dye diesel. If you've ever wondered why some diesel fuel is dyed red or why using it on the street can get you in trouble, we've got you covered.Later in the episode, we dive into the crazy world of Bugatti ownership. Imagine spending $20,000 to $30,000 on a simple oil change. We talk about the Bugatti Veyron, the realities of hypercar ownership, maintenance costs, and how modern manufacturers are making some vehicles harder than ever to work on yourself.We also spend some time talking about content creation, YouTube, podcasting, social media algorithms, drones, cameras, and what it's really like trying to grow an audience online in today's world. Whether you're making videos, running a podcast, or posting car content online, you'll probably relate to this conversation.Thanks for hanging out with us and being part of the Cool Cars With Chris community. If you're enjoying the show, be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the podcast with a fellow car enthusiast.In this episode:• Hyundai Elantra N track day results• Chasing a 5-second pass• 95-octane fuel and octane learning• New drag tires and performance upgrades• Gas prices and diesel fuel costs• Red-dye diesel explained• Bugatti Veyron maintenance costs• $20,000-$30,000 oil changes• Modern cars and repair challenges• YouTube growth and content creation• Drones, cameras, and social media• Automotive passion and car cultureThanks for listening to Cool Cars With Chris!🔗 Connect With Us🌐 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/📸 Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris heads to Willow Springs Raceway to sit down with Meredith Burns, President of the Southern California Chapter of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) and Editor of Performance Racing Industry Magazine.Meredith shares how women are becoming increasingly involved in every aspect of motorsports—from racing and engineering to business leadership and media. The conversation explores how organizations like WIMNA are creating opportunities, building connections, and helping shape the future of the racing industry.They also discuss the growing influence of Formula 1, NASCAR, motorsports networking, career development, and why racing has never been more accessible to the next generation of fans and professionals.Whether you're a lifelong gearhead, an aspiring motorsports professional, or simply curious about the future of racing, this episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest-growing movements in the industry.Connect with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA)Women in Motorsports North America is dedicated to advancing, connecting, and enabling women throughout the motorsports industry through mentorship, networking, education, and career development opportunities. 🌐 Website: Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA)🏁 Women With Drive Summit: Women With Drive Summit📸 Instagram: @womeninmotorsportsnaConnect with Cool Cars with ChrisWebsite: CoolCarsWithChris.comSubscribe for more conversations about cars, racing, automotive culture, and the people who make the automotive world exciting.#CoolCarsWithChris #WomenInMotorsports #WIMNA #Motorsports #Formula1 #F1 #NASCAR #Racing #AutomotivePodcast #WillowSprings #CarCulture #PerformanceRacing #MotorsportCareers00:00 🎙️ Introduction01:48 👋 Meet Meredith Burns03:54 🏎️ Formula 1, NASCA

🔥 Welcome back to Cool Cars with Chris — the ultimate automotive podcast for car enthusiasts, muscle car fans, JDM lovers, hot rod builders, and performance car addicts.In this episode, Chris and Courage dive deep into the legendary Temecula Hot Rod Run, one of Southern California’s coolest classic car cruise nights packed with vintage hot rods, classic Mustangs, custom muscle cars, V8 builds, restomods, and old-school American horsepower.Then the guys tackle one of the biggest Mustang topics in the car world right now:Ford is moving away from the legendary Shelby GT500 branding and replacing it with the new Mustang Dark Horselineup. Chris and Courage break down the REAL reason Ford dropped the Shelby name, the future of Ford Performance, Carroll Shelby’s legacy, GT350 vs GT500 history, Cobra Mustangs, and whether the Dark Horse can truly replace Shelby performance Mustangs.Chris also shares the ongoing battle with his heavily modified Nissan 370Z suspension setup, discovering the car has expensive Fortune Auto coilovers installed and trying to solve one of the roughest sports car rides imaginable on rough Southern California roads.🎙️ Produced by Podtastic AudioWant to start your own podcast but don’t know where to begin?Check out Podtastic Audio — helping creators launch, grow, and sound professional with podcast production, editing, coaching, and audio services. https://forms.gle/jh2G7bRQpaT4TqCc6🎧 Whether you’re starting your first podcast or leveling up your current show, Podtastic Audio can help you create a podcast that sounds great and stands out.📘 Grab your FREE copy of The Podtastic Playbook and start podcasting today.🌐 Follow Cool Cars with Chris🚗 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_wit

Back at Willow Springs Raceway, I sit down with Joey Moreno to talk about the growing Cars & Coffee 805 movement, Ventura car culture, and his aggressively modified 2026 Honda Civic Si. Joey shares how the 805 car community is building momentum through pop-up meets and local Cars & Coffee events across Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark, Montecito, and Santa Barbara. We also talk about what it takes to organize automotive events in California, working with city permits, and why building a safe and positive car culture matters. We also break down Joey’s brand-new Civic Si build — a car that barely stayed stock for a week before getting full bolt-on modifications, PRL performance parts, Hondata tuning, and nearly 30 pounds of boost on stock internals. Joey explains the tuning process, horsepower gains, future plans for a 400HP setup, and what it’s like modifying a brand-new platform right out of the showroom. https://www.instagram.com/carsandcoffee805/If you’re into Honda tuning, grassroots car culture, track days, turbo builds, or the SoCal automotive scene, this episode is packed with enthusiast insight and real garage talk straight from Willow Springs.Cars & Coffee 805 and Ventura car cultureOrganizing automotive meetups in CaliforniaBuilding a community-focused car scene2026 Honda Civic Si modificationsPRL Motorsports performance upgradesHondata live tuningRunning 30 PSI boost on stock internalsFuture 400HP Civic Si goalsCalifornia car laws and tuning cultureWillow Springs Raceway atmosphere🎙 Follow the podcast for more car builds, track days, interviews, and automotive culture stories.This episode is brought to you by Podtastic Audio — helping creators launch and grow professional podcasts from recording to production and marketing.https://forms.gle/iUYAtaQbTsQBhurx5Follow & Connect🌐 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/📸 Instagram:

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, we break down the real truth about electric vehicles (EVs), including the growing debate around EV vs gas cars, EV range anxiety, and why major automakers like Ford and GM may be pulling back on EV production. We dive into a shocking real-world Tesla flood test in San Diego, where a Tesla Model 3 drives through deep water, raising questions about EV durability, safety, and performance. We also explore the future of the electric car industry, including EV charging infrastructure problems, EV road trip challenges, and the rise of Chinese EV companies leading global innovation. From Tesla, Cybertruck towing, and BMW EV driving experience to the reality of charging time, battery technology, and EV adoption trends, this episode covers everything you need to know about the future of cars. If you're researching electric cars 2026, EV problems, EV benefits, hybrid vs electric cars, or the future of transportation, this episode delivers a real, unfiltered perspective on the evolving automotive landscape. 🚗⚡This episode is brought to you by Podtastic Audio—offering professional podcast production, audio editing, and end-to-end podcast services to help you launch and grow your show with ease. 🎙️🚀 https://forms.gle/ZDT1kr3kXRjR5SUa6🔥 KEY TOPICS COVEREDelectric vehicles 2026EV vs gas cars debateTesla flood test San DiegoEV range anxiety explainedwhy automakers are pulling back EVEV charging infrastructure problemsfuture of electric carsChina EV market vs USATesla Model 3 road trip experienceEV trucks towing (Cybertruck)BMW EV driving experiencehybrid vs electric cars🌐 Connect & FollowStay up to date with everything Cool Cars with Chris—from car culture, EV talk, and automotive trends to new episodes every week:🚗 Website: