► Listen to our most recent episode

Tag: pro touring

TMCP #654: Chris Smith – Smitty Built Custom Auto – If You Want To Go Fast, Smitty Can Build It!

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.

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)!

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.

TMCP #577: Pro-Touring Update with Tom Farrington – Insider Scoop on Attending and Racing in Pro-Touring Events

It’s once again is the quarterly Pro-Touring Update, Presented by Ron Francis Wiring, and normally starring Mr. Larry Callahan! BUT, Due to unforeseen circumstances we have a special guest host, Mr. Tom Farrington!
Tom has been on the show before way back in Episode #62 and a quick search of the internet returns many other interviews and articles ever since then. He and his wife Debbie are mainstays at Pro-Touring tracks and has a vast knowledge of the ins and outs of racing and attending these events. We asked Tom to give this quarter’s update due to his high lack of participation in events. Basically, Tom’s in the know!
*********
Be sure to stay all the way to the end on this one…..because our favorite firstborn kid is just about to graduate from high school. Emily will be attending Drake University this fall to study education and minor in music. Her birth was the big reason I knew I needed to find a new way to do life to achieve all of the dreams we wanted to attempt…and TMCP was one of the outcomes of that. Long story short, if you dig these shows, you have her to thank. Congrats, Em!

TMCP #559: SEMA Show 2023 Special #2: Ron Francis Wiring, Scott Bowers Goes Racing! – Cam Douglass, OPTIMA Series – Chris Douglas, CEO of Edelbrock Group:Racing and When to Move on to the Next Level -Wayne Perdue, JEGS, 35 Years of Speed Parts – Rick Love, Vintage Air, New Fox Body Mustang Systems!

TMCP #559: SEMA Show 2023 Special #2: Ron Francis Wiring, Scott Bowers Goes Racing! – Cam Douglas, OPTIMA Series – Chris Douglas, CEO of Edelbrock Group:Racing and When to Move on to the Next Level -Wayne Perdue, JEGS, 35 Years of Speed Parts – Rick Love, Vintage Air, New Fox Body Mustang Systems!

TMCP #555: THE Pro-Touring Update with Larry Callahan – SEMA 2023 Preview – Pro-Touring Dinner – Ron Francis Goes To The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational,

It’s once again is the quarterly Pro-Touring Update, Presented by Ron Francis Wiring, and starring Mr. Larry Callahan! Technically this is the 3rd quarter update, but with the schedules of events (and the possibility of something special in the first weekend of Oct) we needed to push it back a couple of weeks. I’m happy to say that the gamble was worth it! The focus of this update – as always – is to stay on the inside scoop of what is going on with Larry and The Pro-Touring community as well as getting the inside scoop on upcoming Pro-Touring (autocross) events for the end of 2023!

TMCP #545: Bonus Episode – Todd Liebelt and his Amazing Corner Carving ’65 Chevelle!

This week on The Muscle Car Place is an extra “4th-of-the-month” bonus episode that I simply could not wait until next month to share! I spoke with Todd Liebelt who not only races autocross (as I like to do) but has built an almost identical in appearance Chevelle to mine. I say almost because Todd was able to make the changes in his car, that after years of ownership I now wish I had made to mine. Our paths have never crossed before, but somehow we have generated two cars that are certainly really close siblings!

Ten years ago I made some decisions on how to build my Chevelle. Since the car has been built I have had some great driving opportunities but I have wondered how it would have been if I had built it just a little differently. Specifically, I’ve always been curious about the chassis and if it would have been better to go with a full replacement instead of (as we did) modifying the factory GM frame and then adding great bolt-on suspension options on.

I also wonder how would it have handled on the track if I had bigger tires, especially up front where I’ve run out of grip time and time again? Well, luckily for me I have been presented with the unique opportunity to talk to Todd who has an almost identical car ….except that he made the choices I did not and has the inside scoop on if it was worth it. Basically, by speaking with Tood I have the chance to go back in time and learn what the “other path not taken” would have been like (and if I should take it now).

K&F Show #248: New Year’s 2023 Car Dreams – Corndog’s Pick for the Dukes Review – S1E7 “Luke’s Love Story”

Presented with Holley! Christmas is over and it’s time to look forward to spring break. How about April 28-30 in Las Vegas at Holley LS Fest West?? If an LS based (or current generation LT V8) engine is powering your ride or if you are considering a swap to LS power, this is your event! Race cars, street rods, muscle cars, trucks, late models, drift cars, prerunners, Ultra 4 buggies – you name it, if it is powered by an LS/LT there will be something here for you! Take part in the Drag Racing classes, Autocross, 3S Challenge, Show-N-Shine, Sac Speed Shop Donut Pit, Dyno Challenge, Road Course Challenge, off road Dirt Destruction and more! 

Just visit Holley.com to peruse and view for yourself and be SURE to tell them that we sent you!

Corndog’s Dukes Review: Well, this is kinda how I see it… y’all are all about some Hallmark movies this time of year… so this was about the closest thing to it….“An independent strong-willed girl comes to town… she falls in love with a local boy who is sometime wild and hard to tame. He falls in love with her too, but knows that it’s gonna be hard to change his ways and settle down. But wait… ole girl’s ex-boyfriend followed her into town and doesn’t want to see the new relationship flourish! So local wild boy steps in to protect ole girl and save her honor. They kiss… tell each other how much they love each other…… and then she skips town, never to be seen or heard of again”.

Patreon Peeps, the year 20232 will be an important one for Patreon specifically, and if you’d consider jumping up to the $5 level it would sure help. The $10 level will remain and we now have a brand new $20 level as well! All members who join at that level will receive a sticker swag pack in the mail, you’ll be IMMEDIATELY entered in the monthly prize grab, and you’ll receive a phone call from one (or all) of us to chat up whatever you want for 30 minutes! Thank you SO MUCH to those of you who have joined in for the extra content that is only for Patreon supporters. To get in on the action and support the show with a minor financial contribution just click the link below to sign up. http://www.patreon.com/kfshow.

Click to join our super secret KF Show Only listener email list..just in case we get blocked from every social and podcast platform! https://forms.aweber.com/form/48/1311263948.htm

TMCP #490: The 2021 Christmas Show…..Featuring Santa Claus! Plus. the Pro-Touring Update with Larry Callahan

It is the end of 2021, and the Christmas episode of TMCP is live and features the most sought after guest (internationally) for this time of year: Santa Claus! This his his record breaking 13th year in a row, in fact. He makes it a point to come on this show every Christmas and marks this as the ONLY official media interview he does each year. That’s right…The MuscleCar Place has the exclusive!