Big Jim's Garage podcast with Jim O'Brien

After three consecutive weeks of F1 - culminating in a compelling #BritishGP, we catch up with Chris Medland (Racer mag, Sirius/XM F1 coverage and much more). Couple of topics: Is Red Bull in trouble? How important was the win for Lewis Hamilton What happened with McLaren (no double stack) and Lando's starts  Where will some big names land next year (and what about Checo?)

It's become one of the premier destinations for auto fans from all over the country - M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. We sat with CEO Tim McGrane to talk about the 2024 Festival schedule (including a celebration of Richard Petty)

This episode we talk about the new "Super Cruise" feature on the #Chevy Suburban High Country edition - is it the best new tech feature in recent history? Also, some friendly suggestions for IndyCar to increase the audience, then we finish with a conversation with Sir Jackie Stewart on the week of his 85th birthday.

He's one of the fastest young drivers in @indycar today - Santino Ferrucci checks in before the #Indy500 - we ask the question: if you could win the Indy 500 but NEVER win another race, would you do it? We also talk about the Detroit Grand Prix www.detroitgp.com - then the conversation turns to Richard Childress commenting on the Stenhouse/Kyle Busch fight after the NASCAR All-Star race

Start off with a review of the 2024 Nissan Ariya EV - couple of reasons it's one of my favorite EV's (including the reaction of my wife). Then we talk with IndyNXT driver Myles Rowe during a visit to Detroit for the Detroit Grand Prix

Eric Bana checks in to talk about his new movie "Force of Nature: The Dry 2" - and we discuss one of my favorite car films "Love The Beast"...plus he talks about driving at Bathurst in Australia, and then we discuss "The Fall Guy" and the original version of it "Hooper" (remember that movie back in 1978 with Burt Reynolds)

IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin in studio talking Detroit Grand Prix and Indy 500 (great insight into the race), then Al Unser Jr shares the tale of the 200mph pit stops at Indy, and finally McLaren CEO Zak Brown shares why he loved Ayrton Senna

Today (5/1) is the 30th anniversary of the passing of #f1 legend Ayrton Senna at Imola. One of the most compelling figures in any sport, and beloved worldwide - we asked Zak a couple of years ago about the movie "Senna" and how many times he's watched it...and to explain the passion for Aryton Senna

Did you know #Nike reached out to #Ford for inspiration in creating the new #Detroit Lions uniforms? Ford historian Ted Ryan joins us to talk about it - plus we discuss Erik Jones scary crash and I spend some time in a Prius (and love it)

He's one of the most successful crew chiefs in #NASCAR history - Ray Evernham joins us to talk about his new book, working with Jeff Gordon and what ONE driver would he want to be the crew chief for? (great answer BTW). Then we talk about #honda and their Trailsports line - I spent some time driving the Passport and Ridgeline versions.  Finally the state of racing (NASCAR, IndyCar and F1) from a lifelong fan. They all need some work...let's figure it out.

He's one of the biggest names in Indy Car for McLaren racing - Pato O'Ward stops by the studio to promote the Detroit Grand Prix (detroitgp.com) We talk IndyCar - tight racing in Detroit and much more.

Spent some quality seat time in the 2024 Kia Seltos (under 30k!) and the Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro AWD. Had time to test both in the snow, rain and sun of Michigan winter. Impressive on both counts.  We also discuss the auto industry shifting back to hybrid technology. Part of a bigger portfolio and we're happy to see it.

Shocking news in the world of Formula One as Lewis Hamilton announces he's leaving Mercedes at the end of 2024 to move to Ferrari. We caught up with F1 inside Chris Medland to discuss the ongoing story and it's impact - plus we address the Andretti/Cadillac entry into F1 being denied until 2028.

It's a startling statistic...the Ford F-series has been the #1 best-selling truck in America for FORTY SEVEN consecutive years. Think about that. What product in ANY area has had this kind of success. What's behind it and what's next for #Ford - we talk with Rob Kaffl, Director of U.S. Sales about the success (and I give him my Walt Disney comparison to the F-150)

Our friend Chris Medland checks in from Las Vegas before inaugural Las Vegas F1 race - we talk future plans for F1 (including Andretti, GM's motor program) and take a deep dive into the teams and drivers futures.

I've been pleasantly surprised by Hyundai over the past couple of years, but what they're doing in the EV market is setting the standard. We discuss the Ioniq 5 & 6...plus the Hyundai Elantra (a practical car for under 30k)

It's been awhile since we just talked cars and reviews. So lets discuss the underappreciated mini-van...and the amazing Toyota Sienna Hyrbrid. Then we turn our attention to the CUV's (Compact Utility Vehicle) and two VERY different platforms...the RAV4 Highland Edition from Toyota and the Mazda CX-30 Carbon. Do you need a CUV? Is it a better option?

Back in 2016 I reached out to Bob's management and asked if he'd like to an interview just about cars. They said YES and this is the half hour conversation about his first car, love of classics and inspirations. If you're a Seger fan it's a different side of him

Always a pleasure to have F1 expert Chris Medland on to talk about the sport as we hit the summer break. Insight into Red Bull's dominance (will F1 consider changing things to make it more competitive?) - what's going to happen with other teams during the "silly season", does IndyCar Alex Palou have a chance in F1 and much more...

Are Americans really ready for EV's? I've been driving a couple of them and have thoughts about the "push/pull" economy and mindset of our country.

What's it like being a rookie trying to race your way into the Indy 500? We talk with Sting Ray Robb about it - and he explains what it's like going 230mph with a great Mario comparison. He'll also be here in Detroit for the Detroit Grand Prix (click here for tickets)

He's a friend of the show and one of the best sports announcers in the world - NBC's Leigh Diffey joins us to preview the Indy 500 (and talk about the Detroit GP of course)

We spent some time driving EV's like the F150 Lightning, Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6 GT. All three are amazing platforms - but there's a bigger issue with EV's...and it involves McDonalds.

Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandf1) joins us to talk about Andretti/Cadillac trying to join #f1 - will it happen? Who else is trying to get it? What can we expect for the upcoming season. Great insight from Chris into the world of F1 (and the politics).

We asked Al Unser Jr about pit stops at Indy before speed limits - how fast do you think he was going? It'll startle you

Al Unser Jr is a two time Indy 500 Champion and part of the royal family of Indy Car. We talk about entering pit lane at 200mph (really) and of course all the amazing cars coming to the American Speed Festival at M1 Concourse CLICK HERE for tickets

He designed the Corvette Sting Ray when he was 19...then went to work for Caroll Shelby and built the Shelby Cobra Daytona - one of the most iconic cars in history. He's here this weekend (9/30 - 10/2) at the American Speed Festival (tickets click here)

The fastest growing sport in the United States in F1 - over a million people routinely watch via ESPN...and Chris Medland does an amazing job covering the sport. We talk F1, Max's dominance, the future of American drivers in the sport, Lewis Hamilton's struggles this year and much more.

Jeff Gale is the Chief Interior Designer for Dodge - and his influence on the Dodge Charger SRT is amazing. A revolutionary car with the interior to match. We talk design, motivation and the future with one of the most creative people in the auto world.

Dave Sherman from M1 Concourse checked in about one of the coolest events going on in Detroit - it's the Woodward Dream Show at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

Gearing up (get it?) for the Indy 500 with a preview of the race from Leigh Diffey (who's calling the race for NBC) and IndyCar driver Graham Rahal. Of course we talk about the upcoming Detroit Grand Prix (tickets at detroitgp.com)

He's the greatest living driving in the world - F1, IndyCar and NASCAR champion Mario Andretti. Great insight into the world of racing from the one of the best EVER.

Larry McReynolds is one of the sharpest minds in NASCAR - we break down the beginning of the season (including the new car, bumpdrafting and Kyle Larson). Plus I spent some seat time in the RAM TRX (702hp monster)...good lord.

Couple of vehicle reviews...the new 4Runner TRD Pro from Toyota, Mazda CX-9 Carbon and the Little Lexus that I love (even if the title is too long)

A company here in Novi, Michigan (suburb of Detroit) has created a new battery system that gives you OVER 700 miles on a single charge - how do we know this? They just did a proof of concept test by driving a modified Tesla over 750 miles here in Michigan. We caught up with the CEO of ONE (Our Next Energy) to discuss this amazing breakthrough.

What the heck happened at the end of the F1 finale? We talk rulings, race directors and what's next with David Hobbs. PLUS couple of Toyota reviews (the Sequoia Nightshade and Corolla XSE) .

Catching up with our friends at GMC about a couple of new truck editions - including a stunning Denali upgrade and the AT4-X...then we talk Hyundai N mode in the new Veloster - and I confess my love for the Toyota Sienna mini-van

Imagine driving 13,000 miles on ELECTRIC Harley-Davidsons? Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor have done it - check out the AppleTV series "The Long Way Up". We talk about the trip, connecting with people worldwide and much more.

When it comes to F1 - Karun Chandhok on Sky Sports is one of the best. His perspective on F1 as a former driver is second to none. We talk Lewis vs Max, what makes George Russell tick and much more.  Then it's review time: Two of the most amazing rides. The 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV is amazing...and the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD F Sport is their best product (in my opinion).

Spent a day with the Ford Bronco (2 door and 4 door) - on the road, off road and talking with the folks behind the design. What's the verdict? Is it worth the wait?

Is there anything more Detroit than the relationship between a father, son and their car? We talked with a man who made a promise to his father to keep the tradition going. Plus I'll review the Hyundai Venue Denim, Toyota GR Supra and the Mazda CX-30 Turbo.

Marcus Ericsson and Pato O'ward check in after their wins at the Detroit Grand Prix "Dual In Detroit". Amazing weekend of racing.

He's driving the #14 Lexus for Vasser-Sullivan Racing in IMSA...Jack Hawksworth checks in to preview the Detroit Grand Prix (they race Saturday at 5pm). Interesting discussion about braking zones - the tricky Belle Isle track and more.

He's the CEO of McLaren Racing - and of the biggest car enthusiasts I know. Zak Brown checks in to talk F1 (Monaco) plus IndyCar and much more...and of course we discuss Senna.

He's one of the hottest drivers in the IndyCar series - Pato O'Ward just got his first victory at the age of 22...and he gets an F1 test! We talk Detroit Grand Prix and much more. PLUS honest reviews of the Genesis GV80, Toyota Supra 3.0 and the Hyundai Venue Denim edition.

This week we feature a couple of VERY cool things going on in the Automotive World. First it's Mark Trostle, Head of RAM and Mopar Exterior talking about the "Drive For Design" contest at Stellantis. Then we get into "Ford Frenzy" with Ted Ryan, Historian for Ford Motor Company..plus my honest review of the new Cadillac Escalade and the RAM TRX.

So how you feeling about the NASCAR season so far? I'm LOVING it. Always great to catch up with Larry McReynolds from FOX...are the young guns taking over? What's up with Harvick? What is Denny Hamlin's legacy if he DOESN'T win a title? Plus my reviews of the Lexus 350 F Sport and the new trim (XSE) on the Toyota Camry

Back with a new season of Big Jim's Garage - joined by Brian Bell from Ford to talk about the new Raptor. Then my first two auto reviews of the season - the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat or the Toyota Highlander XSE AWD...both a big surprise for totally different reasons.

Matt Garchow is the New Vehicle Sales Manager at Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, Michigan - the NUMBER ONE F-150 dealer in the country. Interesting discussion about what's coming from Ford - including the new hybrid F150, Mustang Mach E and of course we talk Bronco. Great insight from one of the best in the business.