The Avants Podcast

From Mendocino to Happy Camp - The Best Roads You've Never Driven

The best driving roads aren’t the same things as the best roads. The best road in the country is Highway 12 in Utah, but the best driving road is almost every road in far northern California. Dan discusses his epic R8 road trip, Nick discusses CRF450 sales, Ranger Raptor warranty repairs, and more on this week’s Shop Talk episode.

Ryan ZumMallen Creates Car Books About People

We always say the Avants Podcast is a car show about people so it made perfect sense to have someone like Ryan ZumMallen on as a guest since he creates car books about people. Ryan tells us about his publishing company Carrara Books and talks more about the book everyone should own, Cult of GTR. 

The New Kitch on the Block, Siena Kitch!

This week the newest member of the ProFormance Racing School joins us in the studio, Siena Kitch! Siena is a proud chip of the Kitch block and has been basically living and breathing the automotive racing world since the day she was born. She's smart, funny, and a great guest we know you'll love to hear! 
Check out ProFormance on Instagram and TikTok to see all of the latest content. 
Be sure to check out our Avants Track Days at ProFormance! 
https://proformanceracingschool.com/events/

R8 Track Days, New 911 Hybrid Doesn't Suck, and That New RS6 Avant GT

The R8 heads to its proper home at the track next month, Porsche lets the media judge it's new hybrid, and that new RS6 Avant GT is HOT! 
 
Check out our friends at STEK USA! https://www.stek-usa.com/
Need the perfect vehicle for the PNW and beyond? Go see our friends at Carter Automotive group! https://www.carterseattle.com/ 

The Ranger Raptor Arrives!

It finally happened! Nick got the new and Ranger Raptor and it lives up to all the hype. When it comes to factory capable trucks, Ford really set the bar with the F150 and we think they truly did it again with the Ranger. With less than 600 miles on the odometer, we put Nick’s new baby to the test by taking it over Stampede and up WABDR Section 2!
Special thanks to Hailee Lehtinen for making this deal happen for Nick!

It's Always a Great Episode When We Get Phillip Griot

It’s no secret we are life long fans of all things Griots and Griot's Motors is just the latest reason to like everything they do. This week Phillip Griot, owner and CEO of Griot's Motors, join us to chat about what they have been up to down the hill from the flagship store and he gives us all the great results they’ve had working with Bring A Trailer, how to sell a car, what he’s looking for in cars, and so much more.

A Lotus to Lust After

Lotus finally drops the Emira, a new Koenigsegg gets crispy, and more in a shorter episode this week as we prep for Classics on the Green! We know a few people who have the new Emira now and so far everyone is in love with theirs. If you have the means, we highly suggest it! In sad news, Joe Elmore passed away this past week at 80 years old. He was a staple of the car community, a pioneer in automotive media, and he will be missed. 

Dylan von Kleist Takes Us to a Magical World Where Car Washes Don't Destroy Your Paint

We know what you’re all thinking, no such magical world of convenience and safe car washing exists! Well, it turns out that John Denver wasn’t full of it and if you’re one of our lucky Avants members in Colorado you can visit one of the many Autowash locations. All brush type car washes are terrible for your paint, and many touchless car washes can do some real damage as well, but Autowash touchless car washes do things differently. Dylan, VP of Marketing for Autowash Companies, join us this week to set the record straight and he honestly answers all of our questions and keeps the expectations real. Dylan is a former pro detailer who knows the in-and-outs of paint care and he will make you really want to go drive all those amazing Colorado Rocky Mountain roads.