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DALLAS KIBBE RACING UPDATE

Presented by Lexani Tires, Lionhart Tires, RBP Tires, and SimpleTire.com

The countdown is officially on.

Dallas is preparing for one of the biggest milestones of his racing career as he gets ready to make his Late Model debut at Orange County Speedway on June 6. After multiple test sessions and countless laps of preparation, the next step is finally here.

For those who have followed the Dallas Kibbe Racing updates over the years, you’ve watched the progression from Bandoleros to Legends Cars and now into one of the most competitive proving grounds in short-track racing. The goal has never been to take the easy route. The goal has always been to race against the toughest competition possible and continue learning.

This summer will also include a full schedule of Legends Car racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway as Dallas competes in the Summer Shootout Series while continuing to build experience behind the wheel of a Late Model.

A special thanks goes out to Lexani Tires, Lionhart Tires, Rolling Big Power Tires, and the team at SimpleTire.com for their continued support of Dallas’ racing journey.

Every lap is another step toward the dream.

FEATURED INTERVIEW:
Bri Lynn – Jeep Jam Florida – FlexTread Floor Mats

If you’ve been around this show for any length of time, you know we’re usually talking about muscle cars, racing, restoration projects, and the people who make this hobby great. This week’s feature interview came from a slightly different location, but as you’ll discover, it’s still a story about the people who make the automotive community special.

Kirk Hansen recently traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida, for Jeep Jam with the team from FlexTread Floor Mats. At first glance, a Jeep event might seem like an unusual stop for The Muscle Car Place, but there’s actually a direct connection. FlexTread Floor Mats is a sister company to Legendary Auto Interiors, one of the most respected names in the restoration world. Legendary has spent decades building a reputation for producing premium-quality upholstery and interior products for Mopar and GM muscle cars, while FlexTread carries that same commitment to quality into the Jeep, truck, and off-road market through custom-fit premium floor mats.

While attending Jeep Jam, Kirk had the opportunity to sit down with Bri Lynn, a Jeep enthusiast from Houston, Texas, whose story quickly became about far more than vehicles. Bri and her family made the ten-plus-hour drive from Texas to Florida in their Jeep, “Grace.” Covered in colorful autism-awareness graphics, Grace immediately stands out in a crowd, but the Jeep represents much more than a custom build. It has become a rolling symbol of autism awareness, acceptance, and hope for families across the country.

Bri’s journey began when her son Winter was very young. Like many parents, she noticed developmental delays and behaviors that didn’t seem to match what she was being told by doctors. While some reassured her that Winter was simply a late bloomer, Bri continued asking questions and searching for answers. Eventually, a speech therapist suggested that Winter might be on the autism spectrum, beginning a journey filled with evaluations, therapies, uncertainty, and a determination to find the resources her son needed to succeed.

As a single mother during much of that process, Bri often found herself feeling isolated. The road wasn’t always easy, but organizations such as Autism Speaks and Three Graces provided valuable support, helping connect her with information, resources, and other families facing similar challenges. Along the way she learned something many parents discover: no one will ever advocate for your child more passionately than you will.

One of the most powerful moments in Bri’s story came after years of speech therapy. For the first five years of his life, Winter called her “Daddy.” Then one Mother’s Day, after years of waiting and wondering if the day would ever come, he quietly said “Mama.” Just once. A few months later, while watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, he said it again—and then kept saying it. For many parents, hearing “Mom” is something they take for granted. For Bri, it was a moment she had dreamed about for years, and one she’ll never forget.

Today, Winter is thriving. He’s a passionate gamer, a devoted Star Wars fan, and a bright young man who continues to inspire everyone around him. His personal motto perfectly captures the spirit of his journey: “I have autism. Autism doesn’t have me.” That simple statement became part of the inspiration behind Grace and the message Bri now shares with families everywhere she goes.

Throughout Jeep Jam, one thing became abundantly clear. People weren’t approaching Grace simply because it was a Jeep. They were drawn to the story behind it. Parents shared their struggles and victories. Grandparents spoke about raising children on the spectrum. Families found comfort in knowing they weren’t alone. Complete strangers discovered common ground in a matter of minutes, all because one vehicle opened the door to a conversation that might not have happened otherwise.

It’s a powerful reminder that while our hobbies may begin with cars, trucks, or Jeeps, the strongest connections are always about people. The automotive community has a unique ability to bring together individuals from every walk of life, and Grace has become a catalyst for conversations that matter far beyond horsepower, paint, or modifications.

The campaign continues throughout the year and is building toward the 2026 SEMA Show, where Grace will be featured alongside FlexTread as part of an ongoing autism-awareness initiative. The Jeep is currently undergoing a refresh with support from new industry partners and will serve as a centerpiece for helping spread awareness throughout the automotive aftermarket. FlexTread has also developed special autism-awareness floor mats for Jeeps, trucks, and muscle cars, with proceeds helping support organizations that provide resources and assistance to families affected by autism.

For Bri, however, the mission remains simple: “Show Grace to Even Those That Are Different.” It’s a message that feels especially important today. Whether it’s at a Jeep show, a cruise night, a race track, or simply in everyday life, a little understanding and compassion can go a long way.

If Winter’s story resonated with you, we encourage you to connect with the people behind this campaign at FlexTread Floor Mats and Legendary Auto Interiors. You can also follow Bri and Winter’s journey on Instagram at @jeepjeepgrace as they continue sharing their message of hope, acceptance, and grace on the road to SEMA.

Sometimes the most important stories in the automotive world aren’t about horsepower.

They’re about people.

-Rob Kibbe

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This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot –
your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!