Wrench Nation

2025 was a year of loud headlines and big claims across the automotive world — EV dominance, AI replacing technicians, digital car buying, and the end of traditional repair. But beneath the noise, a very different story was taking shape.

In this episode of WrenchNation, we cut through the hype and break down what actually happened in 2025 — and what it quietly set up for 2026 and beyond. EV sales didn’t collapse, but they clearly hit a wall as affordability, incentives, and infrastructure realities set in. Automakers recalibrated, hybrids gained ground, and consumers began holding onto their vehicles longer than ever.

We also unpack how artificial intelligence is entering the repair shop — not as a replacement for skilled technicians, but as a support tool — and why software updates are now legitimate repairs affecting safety, performance, and reliability. At the same time, the skilled trades shortage reached a tipping point, impacting shop capacity, wait times, and service quality nationwide.

This episode is about clarity, not fear. The future of automotive isn’t flashy — it’s practical, skilled, relationship-driven, and built on trust between drivers and the professionals who keep their vehicles safe and reliable.

This week on Wrench Nation, we welcome motorsports broadcaster and automotive storyteller Rick DeBruhl, representing the incredible Martin Auto Museum. From rare classics to iconic race machines, the Martin Auto Museum isn’t just about chrome and horsepower—it’s about preserving history, inspiring the next generation, and celebrating the stories behind the sheet metal.

Rick takes us behind the scenes with museum favorites, upcoming events, and why this destination is a true gem for car culture !

Ever try to save a few bucks by wrenching on your own ride, only to end up with a driveway disaster? From stripped bolts to mystery leaks, we’re diving into the most common DIY car repairs that can go sideways — and the small but vital steps that often get overlooked.

This week on WrenchNation, we’re joined by Trucker Tim — a seasoned long-hauler who’s witnessed it all: the grit, the grind, and the growing dangers inside today’s trucking world. America’s economy rolls on eighteen wheels, but what happens when those wheels start coming off?

From illegal labor to shady maintenance shortcuts and companies cutting corners just to survive — the cracks are widening.This isn’t just a trucking crisis. It’s a road-safety wake-up call for every driver out there.

Few people have done more to put the automotive world on the global stage than Tom Gattuso. As Vice President of Events for SEMA, Tom is the driving force behind the legendary SEMA Show in Las Vegas — one of the most influential automotive trade events on the planet.

Blending marketing expertise, sharp strategic planning, and a lifelong passion for all things automotive, Tom has elevated the SEMA Show into a must-attend gathering for industry pros, builders, and enthusiasts worldwide. Under his leadership, the event has grown far beyond a product showcase to become an immersive celebration of car culture and innovation.

Tom pitstops by this awesome edition of WN sharing his story and the incredible movement that is the SEMA SHOW

Jim Liaw serves as the General Manager of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), where he leads efforts to support and advocate for racers, builders, sanctioning bodies, tracks, and the businesses that fuel motorsports. A natural entrepreneur with a deep passion for the industry, Liaw has built a career creating and elevating programs that connect with both enthusiasts and the next generation of fans.

Before joining PRI in 2021, Liaw co-founded Formula Drift in 2003 and served as its President. What began as a little-known motorsport from Japan quickly became the premier professional drifting series in the world under his leadership. Together with his partner, Liaw helped transform drifting into a global motorsport standard and an influential pillar of youth automotive culture.

Jim is our special guest on this edition of WrenchNation, where he recounts the fascinating history of Formula Drift and shares insight into his current role with PRI, driving the future of motorsports forward.

Headliners + Horsepower ! OPTIMA® Batteries

On the latest Wrench Nation, we sat down with Tom Gattuso, VP of Events for Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), to dive into the incredible lineup and what makes this years SEMA FEST a must-see.

Headliners include Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, and Neon Trees—blending world-class music with the ultimate car culture experience.

Beyond the stage, SEMA Fest brings rare custom builds, concept rides, networking industry training sessioins, and the unique chance for the public to step inside the legendary SEMA Show on Nov. 7.

It’s the perfect collision of horsepower and harmony. Don’t miss it.

SEMA FEST Details : https://www.semafest.com/

Catch our complete WrenchNation interview with Tom coming soon on https://bit.ly/40oWRg1

A big hugs gratitude to many of the SEMA team quietly working to make an incredible event , year after year, while keeping members legislatively on the right side!

We are grateful .

Mike Spagnola Karen Bailey-Chapman

A couple of last-minute guests roll into the studio, as we swap stories about used car adventures—the good, the bad, and the 'what were we thinking?' moments. We’ll give you smart tips to avoid falling for the classic mechanical cover-ups that sellers try to slip past you, and dish up some practical advice empowering you before your next used car buy !

Need a prepurchase inspection ? Reach out to Frank for a community minded auto service facilty in your neighborhood .

You may not think about it when you start your car, but a world of innovation is working silently under the hood to keep your ride smooth, safe, and comfortable.

From smart thermostats and electronic stability control to adaptive engine mounts and climate system breakthroughs, this episode of WrenchNation shines a spotlight on the unsung tech advancements that transformed your daily drive.

We’ll explore how these behind-the-scenes components evolved, why they matter, and how they continue to quietly shape modern motoring—because sometimes the most important parts are the ones you never see.

BONUS : Our talented board operator, student alumni of EVIT , Aiden Mohr ,shares his very beginning stages of transition as a new hire to the team at the garage ! We also share some latest automotive news of this and that.