Fuel for the Future

Few know the story of Charlie Wiggins, a driver, mechanic, innovator, and race-car builder. He built the Wiggins Special and became a four-time champion of the Gold & Glory Sweepstakes, achieving greatness in an era when segregation excluded Black competitors from many of America's most prominent racing opportunities. 

An interactive exhibit, highlighted by the Wiggins Special car, is currently running at LeMay: America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. The exhibit is guest curated by automotive design legend Ed Welburn. 

Welburn joins "Fuel for the Future" to discuss the exhibition, his career, and how Charlie Wiggins' life an...

Oldsmobile Aerotech were high-performance concept cars initially built in the late 1980s. Designed to demonstrate Oldsmobile's new Quad 4 engine, the cars set various speed records. Famously driven by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A. J. Foyt, with a design team lead by Ed Welburn, an Aertotech can be seen today at LeMay:America's Car Museum in Washington State. 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

A look at classic British motorcycles and the Isle of Man TT race. Recently LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) opened "British Bikes", an all-new exhibition celebrating the heritage, performance, craftsmanship, and cultural impact of British motorcycles. It's a bold new motorcycle-focused experience featuring legendary manufacturers including Triumph, Norton, BSA, Vincent, Royal Enfield, AJS, Brough Superior, and more. https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

For years, the Toyota Prius was treated as a punchline, but beneath the jokes was a genuine revolution. The Prius helped prove that a car could use less gasoline without asking drivers to sacrifice reliability or convenience, and it introduced millions of people to the idea of electrified driving. In this episode of Fuel for the Future, we explore how one hybrid helped prepare the public, and the auto industry, for the electric cars now reshaping the road.

Fuel For The Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.a...

The DeLorean is one of the most famous cars in the world, if not the most famous car, but its story might be more dramatic than any Hollywood movie. Through its ups and downs, the DeLorean has stood the test of time. 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

We trace the origins of the world's most iconic 4x4, the Jeep, from the U.S. Army's 1940 call for a rugged, go-anywhere reconnaissance vehicle to the legendary Willys MB that helped turn the tide of World War II. We dig into how American Bantam, Willys-Overland, and Ford raced to build the ultimate military workhorse, and how that compact, four-wheel-drive powerhouse earned its name, its reputation, and its place in history. 

The Blackjack was the secret Corvette mule that helped turn decades of mid-engine rumors into a production reality. The fascinating and historically important car is on display at LeMay: America's Car Museum throughout 2026.

Presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

What if the next revolution in transportation isn’t inside your car but beneath it? This episode of Fuel for the Future looks at how roads are being reinvented. 

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

David Senater is leading the charge to build a world-class automotive museum in New York City. His passion for cars, history, and creating lasting experiences is an inspiration, and not just for gear heads. 

Visit https://www.newyorkautomuseum.com/ for more information

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust 

www.americasautomotivetrust.org

Sean Mathis is a lifelong car enthusiasts and founder of the Miles Through Time Automotive Museum in Georgia. What started as a one car collection has grown into a great organization that helps preserve automotive heritage and history. 

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

Ryan ZumMallen is the founder of Carrara Media, an independent publishing company dedicated to car culture. Ryan began his career as a writer (Slow Car Fast, Cult of GT-R ) and is developing a company that believes in the importance and value of the automotive community. 

Carrara Media: https://www.carrarabooks.com/

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. 

An interesting look at the reciprocal influence between the two markets, with Europe, especially Italian design, shaping early American supercars and a recent trend of American power and styling influencing European exotics.

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

Today, we’re honored to be joined by a legend in American motorsports, Steve Saleen. Over the years his company developed some of the most iconic American specialty vehicles including the Saleen Mustang, and he's worked with LeMay: America's Car Museum to bring a truly unique exhibition to life, "Birth of the American Supercar". 

For more on Saleen visit https://saleen.com/models/vehicles/

Visit America's Car Museum at https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.a...

The Baja 1000 began as the Tijuana-La Paz Run in 1962, completed by Dave Ekins, and Bill Robertson Jr. on Honda motorcycles, and is now one of the world's most famous, grueling off-road races. The anniversary of the first official Baja 1000, then called the Mexican 1000, is coming up on October 31st. On that day in 1967, over 60 teams competed in the now legendary race. 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

The first Oldsmobile Toronado was released on October 14th, 1965. It was historically significant as the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive American car since the Cord in 1937. The original Toronado was a luxury coupe, with unique engineering and bold styling. 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

We might only consider recent advancements in self driving technology when thinking about autonomous vehicles, but the history is a fascinating one, stretching back centuries from 16th-century conceptual drawings to today's advanced systems. Early milestones include radio-controlled cars in the 1920s and automated road guidance in the 1950s. 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

"S71" is media collaboration between two lifelong friends who love cars, action films, and have nostalgia for the awesome toys of the 70s, namely HOT WHEELS! This interview with the company's founders explores why these two build the worlds coolest toy car race tracks, and how they plan to grow. 

Learn more at www.superhighway71.com

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. 

During World War II, the American automobile industry joined the war effort. Companies like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler went from producing civilian cars to making tanks, trucks, jeeps, aircraft, and other essential war supplies. This transformation involved significant retooling of factories, with many plants dedicating themselves entirely to war production. This the story of how automakers big and small helped win WWII.

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

We’re digging into the remarkable story of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) from their unlikely beginnings in aircraft and early prototypes, to the decades of engineering breakthroughs that brought them into every modern vehicle. It’s the tale of an invention that’s not just clever, but life-saving, credited with preventing thousands of accidents and saving countless lives worldwide.

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

Henry Ford's first car company wasn't Ford but the Detroit Automobile Company. It was established in 1899 by Henry Ford and a group of notable investors, however, the company failed quickly. Although the Detroit Automobile Company barely lasted a year, the experience provided Henry Ford with valuable knowledge and education that would go on to change not only the automotive industry but manufacturing worldwide.

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

A century ago, a driven railroad mechanic named Walter P. Chrysler launched a car company that would challenge Detroit’s biggest names and change the American automobile forever. In this special centennial episode, we dive into the bold vision, engineering brilliance, and underdog grit that built the Chrysler Corporation. This is the story of one of America’s most resilient automakers.
Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Chrysler, and the man whose name still rides on the hood.

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust...

Working with the RPM Foundation's Apprenticeship Program, Travis Lavine of Lavine Restorations discusses his goals to preserve knowledge, teach, and provide a foundation to future generations with a passion for automobiles. 

https://www.lavinerestorations.com/

https://rpm.foundation

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. https://americasautomotivetrust.org

The automotive industry was forced to shift during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Some companies and designs were successful, while others were not. What emerged from the era, how did it shape the public's taste, and how did it change car designs for the future?

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust www.americasautomotivetrust.org

George Sedlak is a legendary artist whose work with airbrushing and pinstriping on vehicles is widely known.  A chance meeting with daredevil Evel Knievel would bring a lifetime friendship and collaboration, and George became Evel's artist creating his helmets and gas tank designs. His paintings are in museums, corporate collections, and owned and enjoyed by countless celebrities and fine art lovers around the globe. This year George is working with The Great Race, providing daily sketches and creating a painting to be auctioned off at the end of the race. 

George's Studio: https://george4107.wixsite.com/jeffs-fresh

Inspired by the "Rare and Luxurious: 100 Years of Exceptional Automobiles" exhibit current at LeMay: America's Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org), this episode of Fuel for the Future explores the cars of The Great Gatsby. The era from the book, the 1920s, highlights some of the cars that set the stage for luxury and style which still influence designs of today. 

Presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at americasautomotivetrust.org. 

In the late 19th century, amidst debates about the most efficient and affordable engine for motor vehicles, the electric car emerged as a contender. Today, we explore the early electric vehicles that are often forgotten.

Presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at www.americasautomotivetrust.org

The top selling cars of all time have been able to adapt across generations, and represent the needs of drivers at the time they're released. Listen to learn about the top 5 cars that have sold tens of millions of units. 

Presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at Americasautomotivetrust.org

What if I told you that a revolutionary driving technology was invented by a blind man? On this episode, we dive into the surprising story of Ralph Teetor, the genius inventor behind cruise control, and how his unique perspective changed the automotive world forever.

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at Americasautomotivetrust.org

It may seem simple but the windshield wiper revolutionized transportation. Listen to the story about the birth of the wiper blade and its dramatic evolution. 

Presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at americasautomotivetrust.org. 

Hosted by Michael May

No other car company is as celebrated and respected as Ferrari. But what was the very first Ferrari? On this episode of "Fuel for the Future" we dive into the formation of the Ferrari company and their first car. 

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. Visit americasautomotivetrust.org for details.

The rotary engine: a bold, unconventional design that’s fascinated car builders for longer than you might think. Join us as we dive into Felix Wankel’s revolutionary creation and explore why it still captures the imagination of engineers and gearheads alike.

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. Visit americasautomotivetrust.org for details. 

The car phone had an indelible impact on our modern life, and its journey began before you may think. 

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America’s Automotive Trust. Learn more at americasautomotivetrust.org

Gordon M Buehrig is a legendary automobile designer and member of the Automotive Hall of Fame. On this episode of “Fuel for the Future” we discuss his work on the iconic Cord. 

Presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America’s Automotive Trust. Learn more at americasautomotivetrust.org

Walter Franco is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and curator at LeMay: America’s Car Museum. With a deep passion for cars, from modifying them to working in automotive design, Walter now brings his expertise to one of the world's largest car museums. In this episode, we explore how his love for automotive history shapes his approach to curating. 

Jay Gillotti is an automotive writer, and his newest book "Porsche Decades" is an introduction to Porsche history from 1875 to 2023. It is written and designed for new Porsche owners, new Porsche club members, or those new to learning about the brand's amazing history. Jay has contributed to several automotive books, the Porsche Club of America’s magazine, Panorama, and is the author of "Gulf 917".

On this day in automotive history, the first production Corvette was built on June 30, 1953 in Flint, Michigan. Today we discuss the history and evolution "America's Sports Car", and its early relationship and competition with the Ford Thunderbird. 

With Special Guest Brian Corey from automotivehistory.org 

“Fuel for the Future” is presented by State Farm Insurance, Driven By America’s Automotive Trust, and hosted by Michael May.

https://www.americasautomotivetrust.org/

Produced by Convergent Content, LLC

Theme Music by Matt Glass

Peter Nelson has the perfect job for a car enthusiast, that of an automotive writer. He's been a staff writer for TheDrive.com, Hotcars.com, Donut Media and much more. His love to drive, learn, and explore the automotive world is contagious. 

John Naderi aka "Nads" is a highly accomplished creative director in the automotive content space well known for his work with Hoonigan, Motor Trend TV's Super Street Garage, and so much more. On today's episode we discuss a variety of subjects including JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) and his origin story.

Learn more at https://www.johnnaderi.com/about and find Nads on instagram @nadsynads

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at americasautomotivetrust.org. 

Produced and hosted by Mich...

Passionate classic car auctioneer Yvette VanderBrink joins the show to discuss her business, classic car auctions, and barn finds.  "Fuel for the Future" is driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at https://www.americasautomotivetrust.org/   VanderBrink Auctions: https://www.vanderbrinkauctions.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPtpVh96Zz3uWu2ofGqry0w

We dive into the world of bespoke automotive art with a special focus on RWB - Rauh-Welt Begriff - a unique Porsche customization style pioneered by the captivating Akira Nakai. Join us as we sit down with a passionate young car enthusiast, Simon Wood, who recently experienced the magic of Nakai-san first-hand, transforming his Porsche 911 into a stunning RWB masterpiece. Discover the craft behind these personalized creations and how they embody a blend of Japanese car culture and classic German engineering.    The build was recently undertaken live at LeMay: America’s Car Museum in Washington State, and the Porsche is curr...