Shows
The Avants PodcastUsing Your Car For More Than IntendedWe love it when our audience gives us feedback about a topic, so we want to hear how you have used your car for maybe more than its originally intended purpose. The big stories are always fun, but we would love to see and share some of your moments of your car being used to it's fullest. Camping out of your supercar? Towing your track bike with your track car? Converted your Smart car into a tank? Used your Hilux to help overthrow annoying government regime? Let us know in the comments, or send us a voicemail or text...
2026-01-1940 min
The Avants Podcast2026 Starts Off Strong for Avants, but Weak for HondaWe here at the Avants Podcast welcomes Kevin Nielsen and Daniel Piker to the crew! Kevin has just started the new San Diego chapter of Avants and is a car person through and through. Daniel joined us back in October and you have probably noticed all the upgrades on the Avants social media. Honda's new Prelude has bombed in the US market, selling just 126 units in the last 2 months. Probably because it's a rebodied Civic with better suspension and brakes and they're asking an insane $40+ thousand dollars for it. Want to see something cool though? Check out this story...
2026-01-1243 min
The Avants PodcastTurn Off the Data and DriveAre you giving your insurance and law enforcement everything they need to ruin your fun drive? If you've opted in to driving monitoring apps, or even just your cars infotainment system user agreement you just might be. We talk a little about the inevitable use of your data against you, yet another Corvette variant coming around the corner, and more on this weeks show!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2026-01-0557 min
The Avants PodcastThe ZR1 Is Conquering Basically EverythingThe ZR1 and Mustang GTD finally have gone head to head and the ZR1 proves it's almost impossible to beat, not just by the GTD, but by basically anything on the market. We can't wait to see the ZR1X and what numbers it's going to put down. If you're willing to wear the jorts, the Corvette is likely going to be king for a long time. In other good news, Porsche has finally back peddled on the full EV Cayman/Boxster that no one wanted.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at ST...
2025-12-2534 min
The Avants PodcastThe Great Carvana ResurrectionCarvana came to the used car market with big promises and a unique buying experience, but loose spending habits took them to the brink of bankruptcy. Now seemingly out of nowhere Carvana is back and has a market value exceeding Ford and even GM! Will this change the way dealers sell used cars so they can compete? Have you bought or sold a car from Carvana? Let us know!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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Lea...
2025-12-1537 min
The Avants PodcastJaguar Finally Reads the RoomThis week we talk about the real cost of those pesky speeding tickets, the controversial rollback of the emissions standards and what good news that may bring for enthusiasts, and Jaguar finally realizes that their customers aren't interested in pink and blue toasters being sold by interpretive dance and fires their former design chief, Garry McGovern. We wish him not well.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-12-1041 min
The Avants PodcastIt's Time to Shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals!We're dropping this one early because it's time to shop for holiday shopping! Obviously the first thing on your list should be an Avants membership of course, but we've got a great list of things you or someone you know probably wants!
None of these links are affiliate links; we just love this stuff and think you will too!
An Avants Membership!
Griots Products
A quiet compressor
The DeWalt Stealthsonic Vac (Dan has this one)
A battery conversion for that old Dyson hand vac so you can use it again
A battery powered hand vac that ma...
2025-11-2845 min
The Avants PodcastNiko Pagones of Amaxi Autosport Embraces the Latest Tech to Keep Old Cars GoingThis week Niko Pagones, owner and founder of Amaxi Autosport joins us in the studio to talk about how he started his shop, the excitement and challenges that came with that, and how he's using the latest tech to solve the problems of restoration in older cars. We talk 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D printed metal, and a whole lot more. If you want to get a hold of Niko to do some work on your ride, you can find him over at Amaxi Auto!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK US...
2025-11-2448 min
The Avants PodcastThe Koenigsegg Mega Muffler, Forever Seeking Adventure, and AI OverlordsOur friend and neighbor Brian Dallas swings by the show to join us again this week! If you're in the area and would like to join us for a show, send us a message! We don't open the studio every week, but we always enjoy good company.
On this weeks episode, Koenigsegg randomly decided to take their Sadair’s Spear, which is a more track focused Jesko, over to Laguna Seca and break the lap record! Of course to do that they had to put the worlds ugliest muffler on it to comply with Laguna Seca's noise ordi...
2025-11-1758 min
The Avants PodcastTeam Velocity Does It Again!Karissa Haydon and Trista Smith join us to give us all the details on their 2025 Rebelle Rally Adventure. Spoiler alert; they did AWESOME! They give us all the dirt on (ba-dum-tiss) on their 2025 Rebelle Rally adventure, how the move to the Ranger Raptor went, those amazing dresses, and why you don't turn at the dead badger. Follow Team Velocity at https://team-velocity.com
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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Leave us a review on Apple...
2025-11-1240 min
The Avants PodcastPorsche Profits Are in the TankPorsche profits dropped a whopping 99% this year. And as usual, this was extremely easy to predict. They already pulled back on the full electrification of the Boxster and Cayman, but add in weakening sales in China, tariffs, and people just plain tired of paying ridiculous ADMs and Porsche had an easy to see plan to fail. Car companies need to fire their bean counters in our opinion. Nissan brings back cool SEMA cars with their 1,000 QX80, but we have to wonder why Nissan is building anything like it when they’re barely operational since their last CEO escaped in a...
2025-11-0344 min
The Avants PodcastFeatures No One Really Cares About AnymoreFrom CVTs with Paddle Shifters to that radio you pretty much forgot existed, we go down the list of features we're wondering why still exist. We can't remember the last time we actually used the factory GPS, when it even worked, and self parking is a great way to lose a spot to the person behind you and cause a small traffic jam as a bonus. What features do you forget your car has? Which ones can't you live without? Which one is underutilized? Cooled seats for all!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our...
2025-10-2947 min
The Avants PodcastWe Need More Cool Cars in Movies and TVWhat was your favorite car movie? Do any of you have your movie car?! We're talking about movie cars, tv cars, and what we think is missing from movies that needs to come back to reignite car culture a little.
It sounds like Spyker is going to be making a comeback in spite of their seemingly endless legal battles. Spyker holds a special place in our hearts as being a truly unique automobile and we're hoping their comeback stays true to the soul of the brand.
We also follow up on previous conversation about oil...
2025-10-2142 min
The Avants PodcastA Live Update from the Rebelle Rally with Team Velocity!Karisa Haydon and Trista Smith from Team Velocity, factory backed by Ford Racing, join us on the show for a live update from the Rebelle Rally! They'll be joining us again when the rally finishes, but we were lucky enough to have a quick call with them during the heat of the competition!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave us a voicemail or send us a te...
2025-10-1520 minThe Avants PodcastNick Turns 46, Black Friday is Coming, and Exotics at RTC Comes to a CloseThis week Nick turns 46. He's so much older than Dan now. You should make fun of him about it. Black Friday is just around the corner and we want to know what's on your list! Let us know in the comments. And, it's the end of the season for our friends over at Exotics at Redmond Town Center, the best weekly car show in the country. You should check out their latest blog and send some love their way. You can check it out here: https://exoticsat.com/newsy/well-thats-it
The Avants Podcast is brought to you b...
2025-10-1339 min
The Avants PodcastCheap Cars and Expensive JacksThe cheapest car you can buy in 2025 is the Nissan Versa with a manual transmission. The days of the $10,000 dollar, 100k mile warranty Kia are gone. Kia even had a buy one, get one free promo at one point! There's a lot of factors in the rising cost of a car, but if you're going to buy new today and you want something good on a budget, what are you buying? We'd love to hear from you and why you chose what you did when it comes to your BUDGET buying experiences. We then talk all about jacking! Harbor...
2025-10-0644 min
The Avants PodcastPorsche Rolls Back on EVs Nobody WantedBrian Dallas joins us this week to hang out in the studio and talk Porsches, Ford mistakes, and more. In good Porsche news, Porsche rolls back their stupid idea to make Caymans and Boxsters full EV because they realized 99% of their customers don't want one. In bad Porsche news, Porsche doesn't know 99% of their customers cover their cars in Stek PPF and doesn't want to give them new stickers when they do. In dumb Ford news, Ford doesn't know we all want the Ranger Super Duty with a diesel. Someone please volunteer us to run an automotive company for...
2025-09-3054 min
The Avants PodcastThe Details MatterNick discusses his latest build, the ultimate detail cart! Working with our partners at Griots Garage to get the best gear, Nick created the ultimate detail cart with an integrated pressure washer, all the detailing supplies you'd need, and all in one handy rolling unit. In other news, our favorite doomed automotive brand, Jaguar, is doing even worse thanks to being hacked and decimating their supply chain. It raises the question, are we opening ourselves up to big vulnerabilities using tools like FORScan to "hack" our ECUs? Time will tell.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you b...
2025-09-2338 min
The Avants PodcastThe Wrong Phone for the JobThe new iPhone 17 is here! New cameras, faster processor, and still terrible as a dashcam. We talk about why you probably don't want to use it as one, why action cameras don't work that well either, and more about choosing the right tool for the job. Speaking of tools.. Dan got more tools. We know, you're all shocked.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-09-1649 min
The Avants PodcastThe BRaptor Off-Roadeo in VegasDan spent the weekend in Vegas to attend Ford's Bronco Raptor Assault, or BRaptor Off-Roadeo as it's nicknamed by many. Ford puts on one heck of an amazing experience for Raptor owners, but Vegas really failed to deliver. The experience was memorable to say the least, but it re-fueled the itch for another sports car in Dan's life. What do you think he should get next? Leave a comment and let us know!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-09-0854 min
The Avants PodcastRallies Are HardOur friends Todd, Clarke, and Evan join us to recap their rally down to Monterey and all the fun stuff that comes with planning and running a rally. Rock chips, check engine lights, and unexpected cattle grates abound, but the adventure and comradery make it all worth it.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-09-021h 01
The Avants PodcastDonna Porada-Kitch Completes the ProFormance CircleThis week we welcome the 3rd member of the ProFormance ownership family, Donna Porada-Kitch! Donna PK was into cars long before her first track days and we get all the fun, and very sweet, stories of her life with Don and Siena. She tells us the story of how the school started, how her and Don met, and the future of ProFormance and WIMNA. Stories and episodes like Donna are why we started this podcast and we hope you enjoy it every bit as much as we enjoyed the interview.
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2025-08-251h 22
The Avants PodcastLemmings Don't Jump Off CliffsSomeone decided to take a Cybertruck on the Rubicon and it went as it expected. After multiple steering equipment failures the Cybertruck was recovered after 7 days on the trail, but should they have been there in the first place? Rivian has done it a few times now, but some vehicles just shouldn't be in certain places, like the Rubicon. Ford and Jeep are making some big moves, but not just in recalls this time. And in big news, DEF might finally be dead!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Cart...
2025-08-1946 min
The Avants PodcastThe Barron and the OutlawScott Barron joins the podcast this week to discuss his show stopping Outlaw Ferrari 308 build. Scott's the kind of car person most of us aspire to be; the kind that does what he wants with his builds because he wants to do it. After seeing his 308 build at Exotics we knew we had to have him on the show.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave u...
2025-08-131h 03
The Avants PodcastKTM is Saved!In very good news, KTM has been saved! Indian powerhouse Bajaj has stepped up to save the company, but what does the future hold under their new ownership? Should they cut Husqvarna and Gas Gas? The X-Bow is unfortunately almost certainly dead, but we'll take some KTM over no KTM and that new 390 Adventure sure seems like a step in the right direction.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-08-0544 min
The Avants Podcast1,800 Miles in 2 days is Too FarDan drove 1,800 miles in just over 2 days and Nick is thankful he wasn't stuck in the car with him this time. We talk about the most recent road trip, overpriced Bugattis we can't afford, the sexy LC500, and Nick finally admits he doesn't like roundabouts.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-07-3142 min
The Avants PodcastWe Dragged Brian Dallas Through HellThis week we welcome Brian Dallas back to the show to talk all about Spot GPS, overlanding, off-road shows, Tackform mounts, and us dragging him through Hell's Revenge. Brian has moved on from our friend at Dirt Fish and is working for Spot Satellite tracking and communication systems, working the show circuit, and living the overlanding dream. There's something for everyone in this fun episode.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-07-2459 min
The Avants PodcastIs It Alright To Gatekeep Your Favorite Roads?Dan and Nick talk about the many adventures of driving our favorite roads and why we often don't publish the routes. Dan still has Dan's Drives up and running for some of the more popular routes, but both he and Nick have dozens of routes they're afraid to share for multiple reasons. What do you think? Should we throw caution to the wind let Darwinism rule? Should people protect their favorite roads from the unhinged masses?
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
Not an Avants memb...
2025-07-1439 min
The Avants PodcastDan is Out of RoadsThings are heating up in Scottsdale, so we need some new roads to drive! The dilemma? Dan is pretty sure he's driven every fun road in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado! Speaking of things getting hot in Scottsdale, welcome NiCole Wilson to Avants as the new Director of Scottsdale! We have known NiCole for a long time and she's another great, overqualified hire who is sure to bring the best of all things Avants to Scottsdale.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
Not an Avants memb...
2025-07-0740 min
The Avants PodcastEpisode 400! Amps, Watts, Volts, Starlinks, Rams, and Public LandsToday we talk all about power! Nick wires up, and then rewires, his Starlink Mini, Ram steps it way up with a warranty that's hard to beat, and what is going on with all that public land in the big bill? It's never as simple as that Instagram Reel telling you how to think.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-06-3038 min
The Avants PodcastROOSTER BLOCKED! - The Chicken TaxAs much as we want to hate the Chicken Tax for blocking us from getting all those cool trucks we really want, we can't deny it brought out some of the best creativity from manufacturers. We dive into how the Chicken Tax started and the waves of creativity it forced upon the auto industry as a whole. It also helps explain the heat behind the current tariffs and why they might not be so terrible for us in the end. Also, if your car did not come with Lambo style doors, do not put Lambo doors on it. Period.
2025-06-2537 min
The Avants PodcastFactory Infotainment is Terrible and GM is Going to Make It WorseGM decides CarPlay isn't necessary anymore, making their already terrible infotainment even worse. Just in case anyone at GM reads this, stop being stupid. On the smarter side of the industry, RAM finally admits mistakes were made and brings back the Hemi with a great comeback commercial.
Check out the awesome new RAM commercial here: https://youtu.be/TseTzC3bQAk?si=9FWLPbSWPEfu19aZ
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-06-1642 min
The Avants PodcastThe Dude MagnetWhile we often discuss the Countach as being the ultimate "don't meet your heroes" car, we have never driven any other car that got more attention than the mighty Countach. We talk about the news and a few other topics in this episode, but we got a laugh of out how the iconic Countach brings more attention from other guys than anything else by a huge margin. What car still grabs your attention when you see it?
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
Not an A...
2025-06-1250 min
The Avants PodcastStellantis Unplugs the Charger Daytona EVWhile we could be more tactful about this, we won't be, because everyone who has ever driven a car knows the Charger EV was dead before it launched. Not only did no one really want one, but the reviews on them were terrible from the start with subpar range, awkward ergonomics, and the continued questionable build quality Stellantis is getting known for across their automotive range. While other Charger EV models are still out there, the Daytona trim lasted less than a year, and continues to signal the slow, extremely predictable demise of the Stellantis brand. On the bright...
2025-06-0242 min
The Avants PodcastMichael Beats MoabWe conclude the Moab conversation with Megan, Michael, and Brian, and talk about all the things we learned, where we're going next, and how much of a beating Moab gave us all. Thanks to Michael Smith however, we feel more prepared than ever for out next adventures in the wild.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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We're do...
2025-05-2751 min
The Avants PodcastRock Beats MeganMegan, Michael, and Brian join us in the studio to discuss misadventures in Moab and Megan's impression of the drummer from Def Leppard. The guys talk about almost rolling on Hell's Gate and what they should have done different. Live and learn!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-05-2344 min
The Avants PodcastMetal Beats RockWe're back from Moab and mostly unscathed! Mostly. Some of our bodies took a beating, but our hitch sliders put in the real work. We definitely learned the real value of geometry and physics, but most importantly the value of a group member with experience.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-05-2050 min
The Avants PodcastLegend of Formula D, Time Attack, and Pikes Peak - Dai Yoshihara!On this week's episode we have the pleasure of having Dai Yoshihara in the studio! Dai talks with us about growing up and street racing in Japan, moving to the US, and becoming a champion of Formula D, Time Attack, and Pikes Peak!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
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2025-05-0552 min
The Avants PodcastAre Overlanders Killing Overlanding?This week we we’re calling out you gatekeepers! No, not the good kind like the Sean at Exotics, but those people who say you can’t do something without a specific type of mod. Did you really need those Baja Designs lights? Is that Warn Platinum 12k winch necessary? How about the $2,500 roof top tent you use once a year? Yes, there is a difference in all that gear, but eventually you have to admit you don’t need the laser lighting as much as you want it to go down that well groomed gravel road. On top of tha...
2025-04-2856 min
The Avants PodcastIt's a Pop Quiz!Dan surprises Nick with a pop quiz of automotive knowledge! Can you beat Nick? Did we get a few wrong? Join us this week and have another good reason to yell at your radio besides listening to the news.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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We're doing give aways! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and we...
2025-04-2146 min
The Avants PodcastThe Lumpsucker.. or McMurtry Spéirling Pure!In spite of what we think, the McMurtry Spéirling Pure is not in fact related to the Lumpsucker fish, but it does drive upside down and you've got to see it! We also talk about how basic hand tool installation usually means $700+ in power tools, Ferrari teases bringing back a manual transmission, Easter Jeep Safari brings out all the Jeeps we want but Stellantis probably won't build, Chevy pulls a Ford GT move, and.. Super Duty Ranger? Hell yeah!
Check out the video of the McMurtry Lumpsucker Fish Car here: https://youtu.be/g6LYcgaQ46c?s...
2025-04-1748 min
The Avants PodcastLightbars on Supercars and a Doozy of a Day at SingerSo many mods happened in the last few weeks! Our friends at HKP Customs installed a Baja Designs lightbar on the R8, Metropolitan Detail did another amazing job of STEK Paint Protection on the F150 Raptor, the Bronco Raptor got power step sliders, and Nick's Ranger Raptor is getting more armor. On top of all that, Dan went to Singer and saw how the million dollar "sausage" is made!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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...
2025-04-1041 min
The Avants PodcastLee Luna Keeps the Quality Going at Metropolitan DetailAvants and this podcast have a long history with John Kleven and Metropolitan Detail and now Metropolitan has moved on to the capable hands of Lee Luna. Lee and John join us in the studio this week to talk about how Lee was chosen to take over ownership and continue the highly respected Metropolitan Detail name.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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Leave us a vo...
2025-03-311h 03
The Avants PodcastBuying a Car is as Easy as You Make ItIs buying a car still hard for you? It doesn’t have to be! If you know how to prepare and how to talk to the sales and finance people you can be in and out in almost no time with no drama. We brought Brian Elich back this week to talk about the buying process, the quickly changing market, ADM, the new truck, and of course the mods that have already started for the truck that isn't getting any mods. We also discussed why the oval piston Ferrari V12 is nothing like the Honda design, more issues for ou...
2025-03-2446 min
The Avants PodcastTurbocharging Vs Supercharging, FIGHT!We tackle one of the oldest arguments of all time, turbocharging versus supercharging! Both have their advantages and disadvantages of course, but either is better than none. So how about both!? It's been done, even on a few production cars!
Check out this great video that explains everything you'd ever want to know!
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
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2025-03-1747 min
The Avants PodcastThe Best Tire Deal You Can Get!Avants now has THE BEST tire deal in the business! We are proud to announce our official partnership with Discount Tire and Americas Tire! All Avants members now get 10% off at all locations, nationwide. This discount can stack with already awesome 10% off discount on Michelin and BF Goodrich tires, meaning you can up to 20% off! No one has a better deal than that. We also take about why your fuel door is on the side it's on, more mods make their way to the Bronco Raptor and Ranger Raptor, and the F150 Raptor comes soon. Don't forget the Women's...
2025-03-0335 min
The Avants PodcastHack the Planet! Or at Least Your CarDid you know your car probably has a ton of features that are just hidden away in the software and not enabled? Auto folding mirrors, brighter headlights, fog lights with high beams, disable annoying sounds, warmer seats, and so much more are just a few clicks away if you know what you're doing. There is some inherent risk to this, but we think it's worth it. Just take your time and ask on the Avants Facebook pages if you need help!
2025-02-1739 min
The Avants PodcastCrawling Through Arizona and Crawling Right BackNow that Dan is able to mostly breathe again, we regroup for the new year to encourage you to get out there and drive! Dan crawled through the Arizona mountains in the BRaptor, Nick finished the prep on his Ranger Raptor and picked up a new toy, and we have a ton of fresh Avants events coming up to get you excited for 2025!
2025-01-0657 min
The Avants PodcastMerry Christmas and Don't Forget the BatteriesIf you didn't get a Porsche GT3RS for Christmas like some of the Avants members, maybe you got a battery powered one. If so, we recommend some Lithium batteries. We already planned our next Moab trip, Nick mods his Ranger Raptor, Dan gets ready to mod the F150 Raptor, and more automotive news.
If you're still looking for that very last minute gift, an Avants membership never fails!
2024-12-2338 min
The Avants PodcastChristmas Gifts Every Car Enthusiast in Your Life Will WantAre you all ready for Christmas this year? Didn't think so, but we've got your back! We've got some great last minute recommendations for all budgets for the car enthusiast in your life. None of these links are affiliate links; this is just the stuff we love that we think make great gifts.
$50 and Under
$20 - Husky Stubby Ratchet and Socket Set
$50 - GOOLOO GT160 Tire Inflator
$40 - Baofeng GMRS Radios
$14-50 - Griots Garage products
$20 - Milwaukee Goatskin Leather Work Gloves
$22 - Scrubs in a Bucket
$17 - Lexivon Torx Bit Socket Set
$11 - RJ45 Panel Flush m...
2024-12-0955 min
The Avants PodcastAvants...Utah?Nick's windshield remains a blurry mess, the death (or rebirth?) of Jaguar conversation continues, the poor man's stethoscope reveals a potential engine issues on the Ranger Raptor for Nick, Nick's still talking about Moab, Liberty Walk molests a Miura, and we need to open an Avants in SLC.
We're getting ready for our upcoming Gift Guide episode and we would love to hear from you! What's on your list this year? Let us know!
2024-12-0237 min
The Avants PodcastRamon Antonio of Avants PortlandIt's about time Ramon joined us in the studio! Ramon Antonio is the Portland Coordinator for Avants and he joins us this week to talk about his love for all things on wheels, including the unpowered kind. Ramon talks about his brand StillPour, his tow driving work in San Francisco, and his abundance of cars he has owned.
Follow Ramon here!
https://www.instagram.com/stillpour
https://www.instagram.com/stories/antonioautogarage
2024-11-1141 min
The Avants PodcastJustin Chesnutt Drifts on In!Formula Drift PROSPEC Driver Justin Chesnutt drifts on in the Avants Podcast this week and talks all things drifting with us! As the owner of After Hours Autosports, Justin isn't just a driver, but he knows a ton about car builds and proper setup for drifting. He's a great resource for anyone looking to get into the sport or who might just be curious about how it all works. You can find Justin at all the links below!
https://www.afterhoursautosports.com/
https://www.instagram.com/afterhoursautosports/
https://www.instagram.com/chesnutt_motorsports/
2024-11-0457 min
The Avants PodcastColton and Will Take Us to the Cascade EdgeWe've got Colton Edwards and Will Morris from Cascade Edge Motorsports this week talking to us about their journey to motorsports. They are yet another reminder that you even if you started a little later in life, you can still have an amazing career in motorsports with a lot of hard work and dedication. They're also driving instructors down with our Avants partner and personal friends at ProFormance, so if you want to try and learn how to drive just like these guys, you absolutely can... try.
Cascade Edge Motorsport is a new race team founded to b...
2024-09-3056 min
The Avants PodcastA Disco Party With Golden Rovers!If you've got a Land Rover Discovery, we've got the show for you! Our friends Daniel and Emily join us to talk about their company Golden Rovers who specialize in essential accessories for Land Rovers. Emily and Daniel were famously the friends of ours who hydro locked their Land Rover discovery while out playing on Stampede Pass with us and then immediately started an LS Swap. They have also helped volunteer for Avants Off-Road days and are always out there supporting the community, so next time you see them be sure to say hello!
2024-08-1950 min
The Avants PodcastRyan ZumMallen Creates Car Books About PeopleWe 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.
2024-07-2951 min
The Avants PodcastThe 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/
2024-07-2250 min
The Avants PodcastDylan von Kleist Takes Us to a Magical World Where Car Washes Don't Destroy Your PaintWe 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 honest...
2024-06-1749 min
The Avants PodcastIt's Party on the Bottom and Business on the Top with Krissy!Krissy Wells joins us back in the studio to talk about the massive amount of Avants events coming up as well as the secret to finding all those elusive Avants Off-Road stickers! We talk about the new Avants Online Store, Classics on the Green, and so much more.
Check out the new store at: https://store.avants.com/
2024-05-1350 min
The Avants PodcastWhen You Have to Downgrade to Kinda UpgradeAfter towing the trailer down to Arizona, Dan quickly realizes Raptors aren't the best tow vehicles in spite of being good at basically everything else. We discuss the cons, and more cons, of driving any other truck that isn't a Raptor for better towing capacity. We also talk the most recent news, the Avants events, and the Michelin 15% off deal is back!
2024-03-2555 min
The Avants PodcastEmy Kissick is the Kid All Car People Hope ForEmy Kissick might only be 16, but she definitely taught us a thing or ten. Emy got her racing license before she got her drivers license, races spec Miata, works on her own car, and drives an 1988 300ZX. Add all that up and she still manages to be a 4.0 GPA student. Needless to say, her parents are proud, and she’s a huge asset to the community. Speaking of, a special thanks to our friends and Avants Partner, Hydraulic Solutions for sponsoring Emy and getting people like her on the track.
Follow Emy on Instagram here: https://www.in...
2024-03-181h 01
The Avants PodcastIf Jaykee Evangelista Had an Online Store, We'd Be BrokeYou may not know Jaykee Evangelista right away by name, but you probably have seen his work in many places around the automotive world. From designs for Porsche, Hyundai N, Jeff Zwart, Luftgekühlt, and even Top Gear, Jaykee is a busy, busy man! We absolutely love his style and are huge fans of all of his work. Check out his work on Instagram at Groundworks Design and in the next issue of the Avants Magazine!
2024-03-0452 min
The Avants PodcastRivian R1 "T" for TankOn this shop talk episode we talk all about that crash test video of the Rivian R1T hitting the guardrail, the deteriorating roads, car season coming up, and a painful repair to the R8. Special thanks and shoutout to Chad at Avants Partner: Leather Tech for his great help this week! Check out the video for this episode on our YouTube channel!
2024-02-1951 min
The Avants Podcast50 Years Later, Lyn St James is Still Changing RacingFebruary 7th was National Girls and Women in Sports Day and we couldn't think of a better way to kick that off than having the amazing Lyn St. James back on the show! Lyn dives really deep and talks to us in depth about learning how to drive open wheel, Indy, and the future of motorsports. This episode is also available on the Avants YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out!
2024-02-1254 min
The Avants PodcastThe Newest Member of the Avants Team, Leif BergersonOn this special episode we introduce Leif Bergerson, the newest member of the Avants staff! Leif is helping us run things in California, so we thought it would be best if we introduced him on video. You can still listen in here of course, but if you want to see Leif be sure to check out the Avants YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QdvcrxWMb0i8Ix1ezpVVg
2024-01-2957 min
The Avants PodcastAn Englishman Invades the StudioWe welcome back official Avants Magazine Editor-in-Chief Karl Noakes! Karl is on a rare break from IMSA and chats with us about his new M2, the Hagerty not-so-hot list of 2023, and we all compare our old-man back injuries! It's always a good time when Karl is here!
2024-01-031h 12
The Avants PodcastA Grand Tour of Brendan TonkinThe Tonkin name is definitely a northwest staple and Brendan Tonkin didn't fall far from the family tree. Brendan talks to us all about the new Ineos Grenadier, track time with dad, overlanding, and more, all while his dog became best friends with Nick while we recorded. Brendan has some big plans for Grenadier owners, so we'll check back with him this summer for more exciting updates.
We also got to check out the new Ineos Grenadier at the Avants Toy Drive in partnership with Collectors' Car Garage (formerly Hagerty Garage and Social / Drivers Club) and it s...
2023-12-181h 30The Avants PodcastHeckmann & Thiemann - 55 Years Of Servicing Your Porsche, VW, and SubaruWith 55 years in the business, Heckmann & Thiemann have seen it all. We get all the good stories from President and CEO Phyllis Thiemann and Master Technician Bryan Reeves. We talk about the stuff classic Porsche people don’t usually like to in this episode like the Cayenne, Boxster, and even RWB, dive into the topic of the air-cooled boom and how it has impacted owners who bought “cheap” 911s, talk about how to store a car for 20 years, and so much more! Did you know the 356 was going to be the Continental?
Heckmann & Thiemann is an Avants partne...
2023-12-0456 min
The Avants PodcastChris Delano: President of IPD and the Authority on Volvo PerformanceWe went down to Portland to visit some of our Avants friends and partners to the south! This week we finally got to chat with one of the smartest and nicest people we have interviewed to date, Chris Delano, President of IPD. Chris is as true of an enthusiast as it gets, who has always loved Volvos and upgrading them in every way. If you have a Volvo, you need to check out IPD! https://www.ipdusa.com/
2023-11-2758 min
The Avants PodcastPushing 200 for 300This is our official 300th podcast episode! Rather than the usual walk down memory lane, we started discussing the desire of hitting the 200 MPH club. What’s the cheapest car we could do it in? What’s the fastest we’ve gone? Where would you do it? We would love to know if you have hit 200 MPH, so give us a call and leave us a voicemail! 425-298-7873!
A special thanks to all of you who helped get us here. It’s a long list, but we couldn’t have ever done it without the support of Avants...
2023-07-3157 min
The Avants PodcastCatching Up With Editor-in-Chief Karl Noakes!Karl makes his 4th appearance on the podcast, which still doesn’t feel like enough times for all his stories. Ever since retiring from the tech industry Karl has been busier than ever as the Editor-in-Chief of the Avants Magazine, photographing for IMSA, photographing at Le Mans, and so much more. We talk with Karl about all the inside scoops of life at the races and about his new M2!
2023-06-2655 min
The Avants PodcastA Short Update While We Prepped for Classics On the Green!It's a shorter episode this week as we prepped for the Avants Classics on the Green event! This week we talk about the best way to visit parks, NASCAR goes to Le Mans, the new CARB emissions for small engines, and Dan's dog tries to eat Nick's face. Again.
2023-06-1233 min
The Avants PodcastThe Special Tools Avants Members Say You Need!We did a poll on the Avants Facebook page on what special tools we might not have but should and several Avants members helped us out! Do you have any of these? We also touch on what we think are the best cars you should buy right now and save for a lifetime and some exciting upcoming events!
2023-05-291h 03
The Avants PodcastAvants and Andrew Norman are a Perfect PairingThis week we talk to Andrew Norman, Financial Advisor & Managing Director of Colibri Capital, and a great supporter of Avants and keeping the car community moving forward. From his days as a thug at Exotics at Redmond Town Center to racing Ferrari Challenge cars and now sponsoring Indy driver Benjamin Pedersen, Andrew is a guy who truly supports the sport and the community.
2023-05-2258 min
The Avants PodcastBack To Le Mans and Beyond with Dominic DobsonWe welcome Dominic Dobson back to the show to catch up and talk about his upcoming journey back to race Le Mans again, hopefully with less fire this time. Dominic joined us way back on episode 66, but he's back again and now as the owner of one of best Avants Partners, Dobson Stuttgart. Dominic shares exciting racing stories, upcoming plans with Dobson Stuttgart, and talks a little about electric motorcycles too!
Check out Dominic at Dobson Stuttgart! https://dobsonstuttgart.com/
2023-05-1557 min
The Avants PodcastMore Wagons Please!Here at Avants we have one major complaint with car manufacturers and what they choose to sell in the US…they never give us enough wagons! Give us all the wagons! Megan Zalud joins in the studio again as we discuss all the cars we wish we could import to the US, but those stubborn manufacturers just refuse to give them to us. Did we miss one? Do you agree? Let us know!
2023-04-101h 00
The Avants PodcastCutting to the Chase with Brionna LynchYou’ve seen her 280Z on the cover the recent Avants Magazine and seen her work in Black Panther and more, but now you can hear the incredible stories of profession stunt driver and drifter, Brionna Lynch. She gives us all the epic stunt driver stories, stories of last minute engine swaps, race prep, and so much more. Brionna is every bit as great of a story teller as she is a driver. Be sure to check out her article from the Avants magazine posted here and be sure to follow herInstagram to see all her latest updates!
2023-04-031h 08
The Avants PodcastFrom the Kart Track to the Virtual Track with Megan ZaludThe fact that we met Megan through Avants is kind of surprising since she’s been friends with basically everyone we know for years. Megan started life at the Kart track, but has worked with Bondurant, Yukon Gear and Axle, DirtFish, Forza, and more pursuing her automotive passions. We caught up with Megan at the DirtFish Women in Motorsports Summit which seemed like the perfect place for this recording.
2023-03-2059 min
The Avants PodcastFelix Holst: A Master of All His TradesWe first met Felix at the 2022 Avants Classics on the Green last summer and we’ve been excited to have him on the show ever since. Felix was instrumental in shaping our love of Hot Wheels and then went on to creating incredible art with people like Magnus Walker, all while still being a successful bass player. Felix is another one of those special guests with endless interesting stories from living a life well lived that you're sure to enjoy.
Read more about Felix in the Avants Magazine article here! https://www.avants.com/magazine/push-and-pull-with-artist-felix-holst
2023-01-301h 21
The Avants PodcastGoing Even Bigger in 2023!We welcome our long time friends STEK USA as an official sponsor of the Avants Podcast! 2022 was a great year for us and we had some amazing guests, but we think we can do even better in 2023 with their help! Avants has more events, more partners, and we’re growing into even more places. Adam and Krissy join us for this episode and we share our favorite memories of 2022 and share what you should be looking forward to most for 2023.
2023-01-091h 05
The Avants PodcastAcclaimed Artist and Driver Stefan JohanssonStefan is one of those people who just never stops amazing us. From racing Formula 1 and Endurance Driving and then going on to become the incredible artist he is today, he seems to have that golden touch. Stefan starts us off with his stories of racing at the most hardcore time in history to his decision to move to full time artist. Stefan will have a section in an upcoming edition of the Avants magazine for you to see his latest work, but also has a studio you can go visit down in California! We plan to take him...
2022-12-2654 min
The Avants PodcastArtist Lyn Hiner is as Fun and Friendly as She is TalentedThanks to Avants Chief Editor Karl Knoakes, we had the pleasure of interviewing the exceptionally talented Lyn Hiner. Lyn is a truly incredibly artist; her paintings would be as at home in a luxury garage as they would be in an executive office or your living room. If you’re looking for the perfect addition to top off your collection, this is definitely your stop. Check our the gallery attached to this episode page and see more of Lyn’s work on her webpage or Instagram.
2022-12-1249 min
The Avants PodcastThe Incredible Collection of Larry VollumThis week we got a chance to talk with collector and racer Larry Vollum. Avants Charter members have had the chance to see this collection first hand, but the stories are as cool as his collection! Larry Vollum has been collecting rare and unusual cars for decades. Larry’s fascination with importing vintage rally cars and his past racing experiences has provided him the opportunity to acquire some unicorns. His stories of acquisition are almost as cool as the cars themselves. He’s also probably our only guest who knows how to take the wheels off a 959, because he has...
2022-11-211h 00
The Avants PodcastBaT + Avants = LoveIn this very special episode of the Avants Podcast we team up with Bring a Trailer Co-founder and President Randy Nonnenberg to announce a very special partnership with Avants! Randy shares his favorite BaT memories, his cars, the Covid car buying boom, and more on this surprise episode!
2022-09-1445 min
The Avants PodcastFabryce Kutyba, US National Sales Manager for Alpinestars, is Well QualifiedThis week we got to speak with Fabryce Kutyba about the leading racewear brand in the motorsports industry, Alpinestars! More than just a guy who sells motorsports gear, Fabryce is and has always been a major gearhead with connections to Aplina, GMG, and much more. He's a racer to the core, has great taste in cars, and has some great stories from a lifetime in motorsports. On top of all that, he's an Avants member!
Dan actually wanted to work really for Alpinestars back in his 20s, and if you dig into the episode notes on the A...
2022-08-0854 min
The Avants PodcastSteven Smith - From Dad Shoes, to Yeezys, to Porsches and Everything BetweenSteven Smith is an icon in the shoe world known for creating the New Balance 574, 997, and 1500, the Reebok Fury, and then of course working with Ye (formerly Kanye West) on the iconic Yeezy shoe line, where he still works today. Steven talks with all about his creative processes, his engineering background, and of course his air cooled Porsche 356 and his road racing Beetle. Enjoy this very special episode and be sure to check out the Avants article featuring him and Steve Pelletier! https://www.avants.com/news/sole-brothers-of-stumptown-steven-smith-steve-pelletier
2022-05-231h 12
The Avants PodcastAlex Haugland is Peak AvantsOur motto here at Avants is “Drive Everything” and Alex Haugland brings that to a new level. With 170 cars in The Haugland Collection (and growing), driving all of his cars is almost a full time job. Alex tells us all about his massive collection and of rare, fun, quirky, and historically significant cars, and really epitomizes everything we love to see in a car enthusiast. Enjoy this special episode with Master Collector, Alex Haugland, and check out his website while you’re at it to see some of them: https://www.hauglandcollection.com/
2022-05-091h 06
The Avants PodcastIt’s an All Avants Episode with Sheri Harbour de Vos from Avants Portland!We finally had the chance to meet our Avants co-worker from Oregon, Sher Harbour de Vos! What better way for everyone to to get to know Sheri better than on the official Avants show? She came out of the tiny island of Ketchikan, Alaska, played with some Ferraris, and now she's running wild down in Portland and representing Avants.
2022-04-1148 min
The Avants PodcastBoneFrog Coffee is A LOT More Than Great CoffeeIn this episode we talk with Tim Cruickshank of BoneFrog Coffee and BoneFrog Cellars about his companies mission to honor fallen veterans. More than that, BoneFrog just so happens to be a sponsor of our recent guest, Benjamin Pedersen! We actually didn’t even know that at the time we booked Tim or Benjamin to be on the show; what a small world. You can read more about BoneFrog, get some coffee, or some gear at https://BoneFrog-Coffee.com. We’re working with BoneFrog right now to get Avants Members some coffee to try, so sit tight and enjoy one...
2022-04-0445 min
The Avants PodcastRecorded Live At The Avants Magazine Launch!We recorded this episode live at the Avants Magazine Launch at MotoFish in Redmond! This little bonus episode includes stories from Zachary Philip, one of the first Rivian R1T owners, Sean McDonough, the Exotics “Gatekeeper”, Alex Kochis, who’s Luftgekühlt Porsche 911 Safari is featured in this issue of the Avants Magazine, and Michele Graaff, who wrote the main Land Rover article for the most recent issue. If you missed this event, you missed out. We hope to see you at the next one!
2022-03-2333 min
The Avants PodcastThe End of the Drive for RCSAfter almost 4 1/2 years, the Rain City Supercars Podcast comes to a close with this final episode. We have taken an opportunity to join our friends in Avants and the show going forward will be the official Avants Podcast! We won't be changing the format of the show much and you'll be treated with more guests from near and far. You won't need to subscribe anywhere else and over the next week you'll see our logo and title changes pop up. You will still have access to all the old episodes, just now under the Avants umbrella. We were some...
2022-03-0945 min
The Avants PodcastAnnouncing The Avants Podcast!In news that will probably shock almost no one, The Rain City Supercars Podcast is now officially The Avants Podcast. We have been working with Adam and Avants for almost 4 1/2 years now and we could not be happier to officially announce this change. We will be creating shows in the same way we always have, but now with more guests from all over the world and an even bigger show. The full catalog of our show will still be available and you won't have to update any of your subscriptions, so just kick back, relax, and enjoy the drive!
2022-03-0818 min
The Avants PodcastIt’s Krissy From.. Uh.. Avants!It’s so weird to say “Krissy from Avants” when we’ve known Krissy as our girl at LeMay for so long. We are so excited to see where she takes Avants and how Avants is going to grow from Adam bringing her onboard. Krissy adds a wealth of knowledge and experience in the car world and we catch up with her and what she’s got planned.
2021-08-2058 min
The Avants PodcastRachel Neuharth And The Bronco 2 ProjectIn this episode we talk about finding the perfect mount for recording from your vehicle with a phone (which is way harder than you think) and we talk to the latest Avants member to go full send at Avants Off-road event, Rachel Neuharth. After a late night birthday Craigslist browsing, Rachel decided she needed a project car and picked up a Bronco 2, then she took the next most important step, she showed up at an Avants event and went full send. We brought Rachel on the show because she’s a good case for what all of us know...
2021-04-2352 min
The Avants PodcastThe RCS School for People Who Don’t Off-Road GoodWe get asked all the time, so we made it a highly controversial episode so you can yell at us while listening in your car! Here is all the off-road gear we are carrying all the time and links for most of where you can get it. A lot of this was purchased pre-Avants, on a budget, or in a hurry, and those are marked with an * as we do believe there are in fact better options out there, but this is exactly what we have. You can basically one-stop-shop all of this at our friends at MULE Adventure...
2020-11-271h 04The Avants PodcastCAGS is a Crock, Rally Time, and the Avants Magazine Launch!In this short episode we talk about CAGS, the RCS Rally, and the new Avants Magazine! This is a shorter episode, but stay tuned, we are heading out on our 2020 Rally and the stories will be coming!
2020-09-1129 min
The Avants PodcastA Totally Rad Rain City Supercars EpisodeArt Cervantes joins us to discuss all things Radwood! Radwood is coming to the PNW this year and being hosted at LeMay - Americas Car Museum in partnership with our sponsors Avants and Hagerty so you know it’s going to be good! Art shares with us his story, the history of Radwood, and his deep love for all cars 80s and 90s. Tune in for some serious nostalgia!
Get your tickets at Radwood.co and remember, Avants members get a discount! We’ll see you all there on July 20th!
2019-06-211h 08
The Avants PodcastDAS MULE!We’ve got Joe and Dana, the founders of one of our favorite shops, MULE
Expedition Outfitters. Mule is who we turn everyone to if they need advice
on how to do a build right. We are huge offroad fans and Mule is a game
changer for the PNW offering more than just fancy parts for sale. We first
found out about Mule when they were offering free tech sessions on
everything to do with offroad. We love a company that earns their customers
and Mule is the standard for customer service in the off road/overlanding
world. To top it...
2018-11-091h 13
The Avants PodcastThe Advancement of Avants with Adam CramerWe welcome our friend Adam Cramer with Avants back to talk about the
massive growth of Avants since way back in Episode 12 and to talk about all
the amazing upcoming stuff including his partnership with Blipshift on a
PNW tee shirt design, some winter offroading you can do, some rainy weather
driving, and more! We talk about Avants often on our show with good reason.
If you’re an enthusiast it makes almost no sense why you wouldn’t be a
member!
2018-09-2852 min
The Avants PodcastAdam Cramer with AvantsIn this episode we get to know Adam Cramer with Avants, a rapidly growing car club you need to know about!
2018-01-1646 min