From Gearhead Journalist to Automotive TV Producer

I still view myself as a gearhead journalist; however, the reality is that I’m primarily a TV guy. Recently, I’ve found myself reminiscing about the early-’90s days as a staffer under the mentorship of Gray Baskerville at HOT ROD magazine. I mingled with the pioneers of the industry while attending events like the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin, Illinois. This period marked the inception of the Fastest Street Car Shootout. My video and TV audience tends to be younger and often unaware of this rich editorial history, which leads to glazed eyes when I bring it up.

Curiously, many readers aren’t aware that my editorial involvement with HOT ROD has significantly diminished; I’m now primarily focused on video content creation. I transitioned out of my role as editor-in-chief several editors ago to join the MotorTrend Group—a division of Discovery, which impacts the landscape of automotive television today.

Back in 2011, I juggled multiple roles at HOT ROD, including editing and overseeing productions for various car-related content. The demand for more video content spurred collaborations with staffers like Mike Finnegan, leading to the creation of engaging car adventure videos. When YouTube partnered with the publishing company, our show Roadkill on the MotorTrend channel became a significant hit, ultimately attracting a large viewer base.

Despite changes in funding and production, the fan-favorite MotorTrend shows continued to evolve, leading to original content that fans now enjoy across various platforms. The MotorTrend App offers viewers the flexibility to watch their favorite shows anytime, enhancing accessibility and engagement with automotive content.

It’s essential to clarify that the business decisions shaping our shows are not within my control. While many believe I direct operations, I am merely a producer and host. My primary focus remains on delivering quality content in shows like Roadkill, where the premise is straightforward: we play with cars, and viewers can laugh along.

In addition to Roadkill, I co-host Roadkill Garage with my friend Steve Dulcich, focusing on building cars the unconventional way—emphasizing fun and creativity. Moreover, my show Engine Masters involves rigorous testing and analysis of performance theory, proving to be both educational and entertaining.

Another popular segment, Roadkill Extra, airs short vlogs with behind-the-scenes content, tech tips, and project car updates. This unique format capitalizes on viewer engagement and community interaction.

Additionally, I co-host the humorous $3K Hooptie Challenge with Brian Lohnes. This show focuses on creating budget-friendly drag cars and showcases the lighter side of automotive culture. You may also catch me in guest appearances on various shows, sharing my knowledge and passion for hot rodding.

While I embrace the dynamic nature of my current role—filled with hands-on experiences like wrenching and road-tripping—I still reminisce about the editorial aspects of my past career. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to automotive content and to share my passion with an enthusiastic audience.