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TMCP #656: Brand-New ’68-’69 Charger Bodies + Mike Finnegan at RoadKill Nights 2026

TMCP #656 hits the road with six interviews packed into one episode. Rob starts at US Car Tool with Ryan Renadette, where the big news is the creation of brand-new reproduction 1968–69 Dodge Charger bodies built from AMD sheet metal. From there, Scotty Stapp takes over from RoadKill Nights 2026 with Mike Finnegan, David Kruk and his yellow Super Bee, Dodge’s Sam Barbeau, Jeff Turk from Blackbird Performance Products, and Chuck Sundstrom from Radford Racing School.

Along the way, Finnegan talks Roadkill cars and current projects, Dodge discusses the 710-horsepower Durango Hellcat, Blackbird dives into Gen III HEMI performance, and Radford explains everything from defensive driving to drag racing and advanced road-course training.
Plus, Rob gives a Dallas Kibbe Racing update and shares the TURBO15 SimpleTire promotion for 15% off a qualifying set of four Lexani, Lionhart, or Rolling Big Power tires.

TMCP #654: Chris Smith of Smitty’s – UNFILTERED Pro-Touring Cheat Code: Which Suspension and Parts to Use to Win, Why You Need ABS, and $300K 2nd Gen Camaros Are the New Normal

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 #653: Ask Rick – Leno’s Law, The Future of the Collector Car Hobby, and Rick’s Summer Car Challenge

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.

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 #649 (BONUS): Bri Lynn, Winter, and the Road to SEMA: Autism Awareness Through Jeeps, Family, and FlexTread

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.

TMCP #646: Ask Rick – Memorial Day Muscle, Summer Flip Strategy, and Parade-Ready Classics

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.

TMCP #632: The Full Business of “Give Away Sweepstakes” with Hodson Motors — Riley Hodson on Building, Giving Away, and Growing the World of Classic 4×4’s Sweepstakes

Just outside the chaos of SEMA, we sat down at Hodson Motors—Riley Hodson’s backyard-born, fast-growing sweepstakes operation that’s taking over the classic 4×4 world. What started as a humble father-and-son hobby turned into a full business when Riley realized people weren’t just following his truck builds…they trusted him. From diesel-swapped Suburbans to bone-stock Toyotas, Riley breaks down the real math, the real risks, and the real heart behind giving away fully built vintage trucks to everyday enthusiasts. No hype, no gimmicks—just honesty, hustle, and a shop full of lifted classics ready for their next home.

Riley walks us through how he chooses the trucks, why some sweepstakes boom while others flop, and why every winner needs to know they’re not just getting a truck—they’re inheriting a hobby. It’s a rare, transparent look behind a world most people only see through ads and hashtags, and it proves why Hodson Motors has become the trusted name in classic 4×4 giveaways. And let’s be honest…nothing makes your muscle car look better than a perfectly built vintage truck parked next to it. After hearing this episode, you’re going to want to check out HodsonMotors.com and throw your name in the hat for the next one.

TMCP #626: Ask Rick – Preview for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals 2025, “The Pebble Beach of Muscle Car Shows”

It’s one of the biggest months of the year — SEMA, MCACN, and Thanksgiving! In this episode, Rick Schmidt joins Rob to tackle the real questions everyone’s asking: turkey, beef, or ham? Cranberries from the can? And of course, what makes MCACN (the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals) such a world-class event. Rick gives us an inside look at his 13-mile 1964 Ford Galaxie XL, shares why authenticity matters more than perfection, and explains why this show has earned its nickname: “The Pebble Beach of Muscle Cars.”
From Thanksgiving table debates to restoration realities, Rick dives into the surprising truth about American vs. Taiwan-made panels, plus which cars—classic or modern—could be future MCACN stars. Whether you’re restoring, collecting, or just daydreaming, this one’s packed with laughs, insight, and muscle car wisdom. Tune in and find out: is Rick Team Turkey or Team Ham?

TMCP 623: Don Abenante – Fabricator to YouTube Star – Building And Driving a 1970 Chevelle From Rhode Island To Vegas For SEMA 2025!

Don Abenante of Retro Fabworks isn’t your average YouTube builder — his story blends Hollywood grit, family legacy, and pure horsepower. After early stints on Below Deck, Horsepower Wars, and Netflix’s Resurrected Rides, Don found his true calling behind the welder instead of the camera, documenting every cut and weld for his growing audience.

His current project is deeply personal: a 1970 Chevelle he first planned to build with his late father. That dream paused for years but never died — and now it’s roaring back to life. Don’s transforming the Chevelle into a Ford Coyote–powered showstopper for SEMA 2025, filming the process step by step for his followers. The twist? He plans to drive the car all the way to Vegas, proving that craftsmanship, creativity, and heart still belong on the open road.