The MuscleCar Place

Hosted by Robert Kibbe

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The best darn podcast about American muscle cars, ever!

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60 recent

September 11, 2026Episode 65957 min

TMCP #659: Heidi Bandish of RacerShip | The “Dating App” for Racing Sponsorships?

Finding racing sponsors can be one of the toughest parts of building a motorsports career. Drivers often rely on cold calls, emails, sponsorship decks, and personal connections—but what if there were a better way to connect racers with the brands looking to support them? This week, Rob Kibbe talks with Heidi Bandish, founder of RacerShip, an online platform connecting racing athletes, mentors, and potential sponsors. Heidi explains how her experience with the Performance Racing Industry trade show helped her recognize the challenges facing grassroots racers and inspired her to create what Rob calls a “dating app” for racing sponsorships. RacerShip allows competitors from nearly every racing discipline to build a profile, upload a sponsorship deck, share results, outline future goals, and connect with others throughout the motorsports industry. Heidi also explains the RacerShip Score, how brands can search for potential ambassadors, the importance of mentorship and mental-performance coaching, and why young racers must learn the business side of motorsports alongside developing their skills behind the wheel. The platform is already working with racers from the NASCAR Youth Series and has attracted support from SimpleTire, with plans to expand further into Junior Dragsters, MotoAmerica, amateur motocross, and other grassroots racing communities. Whether you are a racer searching for support, a parent helping a young driver build a career, or a brand looking for its next motorsports ambassador, RacerShip is creating a new way for the racing industry to connect. The post TMCP #659: Heidi Bandish of RacerShip | The “Dating App” for Racing Sponsorships? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

September 4, 2026Episode 65856 min

TMCP #658: Ask Rick | Trans Am vs. SHO vs. IROC-Z—Which White Car Wins?

This week on Ask Rick, we’re celebrating Labor Day with a collector-car challenge built around the old rule about putting away your white clothes. Rick has $35,000 to choose between three very different white performance cars: a 1975 Pontiac Trans Am, a five-speed 1994 Ford Taurus SHO, and a 1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. He must drive his selection for one year and then sell it—so which car offers the best combination of enjoyment, collectibility, and return on investment? We also answer a listener’s question about Rick’s one-off 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Fox concept truck, a supercharged dirt-bike hauler that General Motors says can never be registered for street use. Rick explains why classic Mustangs remain relatively affordable, why overlooked cars from the 1970s through the ’90s are gaining collector interest, and which unusually colored car he would choose in a second $50,000 auction challenge. The post TMCP #658: Ask Rick | Trans Am vs. SHO vs. IROC-Z—Which White Car Wins? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

August 21, 2026Episode 65757 min

TMCP #657: Why Factory Tires Wear Out So Fast – Bridney Jordan Reveals the Truth About Tires!

Bridney Jordan returns to The Muscle Car Place to take us behind the scenes of the tire industry and answer some questions most of us have probably wondered while shopping for tires. Why can a factory tire rated for 60,000 miles be worn out at 30,000? Are expensive name-brand tires really better? Why can two seemingly similar tires have dramatically different prices? And does it still matter where a tire is manufactured? Bridney manages the Lexani, Lionheart and Rolling Big Power tire brands for Turbo Tires, and she explains how OEM tires can be engineered around competing priorities like fuel economy, tread life, durability and safety. We also discuss how manufacturing location, labor, shipping, distribution and brand recognition can affect what you ultimately pay for a tire—and why a manufacturer's warranty can be one of the simplest ways to judge how strongly a company stands behind its product. We also catch up on Dallas's racing season and the support he's received from Lexani, Lionheart, Rolling Big Power and SimpleTire. As part of the growing partnership between the tire brands, SimpleTire and The Muscle Car Place, TMCP listeners also have a special offer: purchase four qualifying Lexani, Lionheart or Rolling Big Power tires through SimpleTire and use promo code TURBO15 to save 15% through December 1, 2026. It's an inside look at something every car enthusiast depends on but very few of us really understand: the four patches of rubber connecting everything we've built to the road. The post TMCP #657: Why Factory Tires Wear Out So Fast – Bridney Jordan Reveals the Truth About Tires! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

August 14, 2026Episode 6561 hr 6 min

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. The post TMCP #656: Brand-New ’68-’69 Charger Bodies + Mike Finnegan at RoadKill Nights 2026 first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

August 7, 2026Episode 65554 min

TMCP #655: Ask Rick | Which Collector Cars Will Be Worth the Most Tomorrow?

This week on Ask Rick, we're looking at the future of today's specialty performance cars. Dealer-built legends like Yenko, Nickey, and Mr. Norm's Mopars became some of the most valuable muscle cars ever built—but will modern performance vehicles from Shelby, Roush, RTR, and Hennessey follow the same path? Rick shares his thoughts on how technology, electronics, and changing collector trends could shape tomorrow's blue-chip collectibles. We also discuss whether the collector car market is really slowing down before diving into another auction challenge. Rick picks his favorite investment from four classic trucks under $35,000 before tackling four collector cars—including a '67 GTO, C4 Corvette ZR-1, Boss 302 Mustang, and Datsun 240Z—to decide which one offers the best long-term value. If you've ever wondered what to buy today for tomorrow, this episode is for you. The post TMCP #655: Ask Rick | Which Collector Cars Will Be Worth the Most Tomorrow? first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

July 17, 2026Episode 6541 hr 4 min

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. The post 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 first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

July 3, 2026Episode 6531 hr 5 min

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. The post TMCP #653: Ask Rick – Leno’s Law, The Future of the Collector Car Hobby, and Rick’s Summer Car Challenge first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

June 24, 2026Episode 65255 min

TMCP #652: Double Bonus Racing Show! | Brandon Setzer on Late Model Racing | Tyler West on RacingJunk & Grassroots Motorsports

This week on The Muscle Car Place Podcast, we're bringing you a Double Bonus Racing Show featuring two guests who are helping shape the future of grassroots motorsports from very different angles. First, Robert sits down with Brandon Setzer of Setzer Racing and Development to discuss the world of Late Model racing, driver development, and what it really takes to climb the ladder toward NASCAR. As the son of NASCAR Truck Series veteran Dennis Setzer, Brandon grew up in racing and now dedicates his career to helping young drivers accelerate their learning curve behind the wheel. Brandon explains the differences between Pro Late Models, Super Late Models, and Late Model Stocks while sharing insights from coaching some of the sport's rising stars. He also discusses how his program balances performance, affordability, and long-term driver growth. For listeners following Dallas Kibbe's racing journey, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the team helping him make the transition into Late Model competition. In the second feature interview, Robert catches up with Tyler West of RacingJunk at the 2026 High Performance Expo. While RacingJunk is widely known as the go-to marketplace for race cars, trailers, engines, and performance equipment, Tyler's passion extends far beyond classifieds. The conversation explores the challenges facing local racetracks, the importance of grassroots motorsports, and how facilities are adapting to attract new fans and remain viable in a rapidly changing world. Together, these interviews provide a fascinating look at the people working behind the scenes to develop drivers, support racetracks, and keep grassroots racing thriving for future generations. The post TMCP #652: Double Bonus Racing Show! | Brandon Setzer on Late Model Racing | Tyler West on RacingJunk & Grassroots Motorsports first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

June 12, 2026Episode 6511 hr 4 min

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. The post 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)! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .

June 5, 2026Episode 65054 min

TMCP #650: Ask Rick – Father’s Day Car Shows, Summer Cruise Nights, and Patriotic Auction Temptations

Father's Day is right around the corner, and on this month's Ask Rick, Rob Kibbe welcomes National Parts Depot CEO Rick Schmidt for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from car show planning to collector car buying strategy. Drawing from more than twenty years of experience producing NPD's legendary Silver Springs Ford and GM shows, Rick shares what makes a great event, why most car shows overcomplicate things, and how creating an experience for the entire family is often more important than the cars themselves. The discussion also dives into the evolving world of reproduction bodies and restoration parts. Rick offers an insider's perspective on the quality improvements seen in replacement Camaro and Firebird bodies, the challenges of manufacturing and licensing, and why some projects help preserve the hobby while others raise serious questions. If you've ever wondered what goes into bringing reproduction sheet metal and complete bodies to market, this segment is packed with fascinating insight. Of course, no Ask Rick episode would be complete without auction picks. This month Rick evaluates six vehicles ranging from a 1968 El Camino SS 396, 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible, and 1962 Chrysler 300, to a modern Shelby GT350R Heritage Edition, a stunning 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible, and a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Along the way he reveals which cars he'd happily cruise all summer, which ones he'd avoid entirely, and why some of the hobby's most interesting opportunities aren't always the most obvious choices. The post TMCP #650: Ask Rick – Father’s Day Car Shows, Summer Cruise Nights, and Patriotic Auction Temptations first appeared on The Muscle Car Place .