Big Jim's Garage podcast with Jim O'Brien

Defending Detroit Grand Prix winner Kyle Kirkwood joins Big Jim to talk about returning to the streets of downtown Detroit later this month for one of the biggest races of the IndyCar season. After winning in Detroit last year, Kirkwood explains why the city, the fans, and the challenging downtown circuit have become one of his favorite stops on the schedule.We also talk about:His incredible pass on Alex Palou in ArlingtonWhy Detroit’s bumps and tight corners create great racingHow he’s evolved as a driver in his fifth IndyCar seasonThe mental chaos of the final laps of the Indy 500Why Detroit feels different from every other race weekendKyle also talks about how much he enjoys coming back to the Motor City and why racing fans in Detroit bring a unique energy to the IndyCar calendar.Get tickets and race info now at Detroit Grand Prix#KyleKirkwood #DetroitGrandPrix #IndyCar #Detroit #Indy500 #AndrettiGlobal #Motorsports #BigJimsHouse #WCSX #Racing #DetroitGP #AlexPalou #IndyCarSeries #Michigan See Privacy…

May is the biggest month in IndyCar, and this episode of RPM leans all the way into it, with Big Jim sitting down with two of the sport’s most talked-about drivers—David Malukas and Santino Ferrucci—as the intensity ramps up toward the Indianapolis 500 and the streets of the Detroit Grand Prix (DetroitGP.com for tickets)From the mindset drivers carry into the month of May, to the physical and mental demands of running at Indianapolis, to the completely different challenge of racing through tight city streets in Detroit, both Malukas and Ferrucci give real insight into what separates good drivers from great ones when everything is on the line.And in between the racing conversation, Jim also takes a look at where the SUV market is heading right now, breaking down three completely different approaches to what a modern SUV can be—from efficiency and daily usability, to luxury and presence, to lifestyle and driving feel—with the Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD, Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC MHEV, and Mazda CX-50…

Caught up with #IndyCar driver Santino Ferrucci after he'd thrown out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers game. We talked about the #Detroit Grand Prix (tickets www.detroitgp.com) - also previewing the #Indy500 and his love of the RV lifestyle See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The car industry is shifting faster than people realize—and this week, we’ve got a Chinese SUV that could change everything.This week on RPM, we hit four completely different lanes—and all of them matter.First, the conversation everyone in Detroit should be paying attention to: Chinese automaker Geely and the Galaxy M9 SUV. After talking with Edmunds, this isn’t hype—it’s real. A three-row SUV with massive range, strong tech, and a price point that doesn’t exist in the U.S. market right now. The bigger story? Geely already owns Volvo and Polestar, and that could be the back door into America.Then we shift gears with Jeff Dunham and his insane car collection—130 vehicles deep—and the stories behind the cars that actually shaped his life.From there, we get into the Cadillac Escalade and why it still owns its lane in the full-size SUV world, even as competition keeps trying to catch up.And finally, a Spin Doctors story that takes a turn you probably didn’t see coming—because sometimes the best stories in music…

Formula One is about more than lap times and podiums.In this episode, Big Jim talks with Lily Herman, host of the F1 culture podcast No Grip and writer of the Engine Failure newsletter, about the personalities, rivalries and weird cultural corners that make Formula One such a fascinating sport.They get into why F1 feels like a global shared experience, how driver personalities shape the sport beyond the track, why Daniel Ricciardo remains such a compelling figure, the tension between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, what Oscar Piastri’s future could look like, and why the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix Diamond episode is one to watch.If you love Formula One for more than just the racing, this is a fun conversation about the soap opera, fandom and psychology that keep people talking between races.00:00 Introduction to F1 and Astrology 03:13 Cultural Significance of Formula One 06:00 The Personalities Behind the Drivers 08:52 The Dynamics of Team Rivalries 11:51 The Future of Drivers and Teams 15:06 Reflections…

This week on RPM — Reviews, Performance & Motorsports, Jim takes a look at one of the most practical vehicles on the road today… and why it might be the smartest family vehicle you can buy.The 2026 Toyota Sienna continues Toyota’s hybrid-only minivan approach, delivering impressive fuel economy, surprising driving refinement, and the kind of everyday usability most SUVs simply can’t match. Jim breaks down what it’s like behind the wheel, why the Sienna drives more like a car than a traditional van, and why the minivan may be making a quiet comeback.Then we shift gears into global motorsports.With the Formula 1 season kicking off this weekend, Jim revisits his conversation with Mario Andretti from the moment Cadillac was officially approved to join the F1 grid. Andretti talks about the significance of an American manufacturer entering Formula 1, what it means for the sport, and why this could be a major turning point for American racing fans.Two very different machines… one big automotive conversation.On this…

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series kicks off at Daytona — and Parker Kligerman joins Jim to break it all down.Parker talks about: 🏁 Jesse Love’s championship mentality 🏁 Why Daytona is impossible to “practice” for 🏁 How superspeedway racing has evolved 🏁 Why the moves look wider — but smarter 🏁 The underdog driver to watch 🏁 The weirdest stat of his career: winning twice at Daytona in one year… and only one of them counting 🏁 Should NASCAR end its season at Daytona?Plus — Days of Thunder as a documentary, Talladega Nights takes, and the one car Parker would drive if he could choose anything.Saturday at 5 PM on The CW, the O’Reilly Series starts its season at Daytona. After this conversation, you’ll watch it differently.If you’re watching superspeedway racing this weekend, this is your insider prep. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're a fan of #f1 - this season is one of the most compelling in years. The new set of rules harkens back to 2014 - so how are the teams dealing with - what have we learned about the new cars. #F1TV Chris Medland joins me to talk about the pre-season, how our friends at #Cadillac are doing and what type of driver we can expect excel in these new rules. #formula1 #f1 #Cadillac #RedBull #Ferrari #Schumacher #Mercedes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reviewing #Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter, #Volkswagen Tiguan and Taos - plus #IndyCar interview with Kyffin Simpson and IMSA driver Jack Aitken

Welcome to RPM #reviews #performance and #motorsports in Big Jim's Garage - something new for 2026. This episode we talk with #RAM Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis about their truck program and Tony Stewart driving for them at Daytona. Then our focus turns to three #Stellantis vehicles from 2025 that really made an impression. The RAM 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 - the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and the Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wrapping up the year in review with everything from the Toyota GR86 Hakone, GR Corolla to Hyundai Santa Cruz and Maserati Grecale See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the year-end in review series — the SUV & Crossover Showdown, where we break down the best luxury SUVs, family haulers, off-road crossovers, and daily drivers from the past 12 months of test drives. If it seats five, seven, or makes you rethink switching to a truck, it’s in here.This episode covers some of the most important and competitive segments in the automotive world, featuring in-depth impressions, performance notes, and real-world takeaways from Big Jim's test-drive log. Vehicles featured include:LUXURY SUVS• 2025 Maserati Grecale Modena — Italian emotional buying at its finest• 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige — still the value king of luxury• 2026 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige (sedan comparison piece)• 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail — luxury meets old-school off-road muscle3-ROW FAMILY SUVS• 2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Plus• 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT AWD• 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition• 2025 Lexus TX 500h F Sport AWD (optional segment placement)MID-SIZE…

EV & Electrified Performance Roundup — ID. Buzz, Ioniq 5 N, CX-90 PHEV, Lexus TX 500h & More

I sat down with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis to break down their bold new move for the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: a Free Agent Driver Program that puts a different racer behind the wheel of the #25 Ram 1500 for every event.Kuniskis explains why Ram is betting big on unpredictability, fan engagement, and cross-discipline talent — and how this rotating seat will open real doors for new and emerging drivers. We also talk Kaulig Racing, the return of Ram to the grid, and what it really feels like to push 170 mph “on a razor’s edge.”A fresh driver revealed before every race. No points chase (although there's some SERIOUS cash from RAM) — just pure performance. This is Ram’s new era.#RAM #NASCAR #Racing #TimKuniskis See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reviewing the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia K4 GT-Line

In this episode, we go from the streets of Detroit to the open road of Modena. First, I sit down with racing legend and stunt driver Tanner Foust at Roadkill Nights to talk Mopar memories, EV racing, Top Gear behind-the-scenes stories, Adam Ferrara’s driving skills, and his ultimate dream cars. Then I take you behind the wheel of two Italian masterpieces — the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo. With Ferrari-derived engines, incredible horsepower, and hand-built craftsmanship, these cars prove why Maserati continues to define passion, performance, and timeless design. If you love motorsports, drifting, Detroit car culture, or high-performance machines, this one’s for you See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Absolute honor to talk car culture with one of the biggest influencers on the planet - Dan Pund is the Editor in Chief of Road & Track. Dan is full of insight and genuine love for the auto industry..and it shows in this conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How good can a sound system be in a vehicle? Had my mind blown by the folks at Klipsch - what they've done in the RAM Truck Tungsten edition is amazing...and what does a connected car really mean? I have a theory of what it SHOULD mean after spending a week with the Nissan Z. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After an amazing British Grand Prix, we talk #FormulaOne with Chris Medland (F1TV, Sirius/XM) - plenty to touch on: Is Lando really back in the title hunt? Where is Max Verstappen going next year? Does Nico's podium change how Cadillac looks at it's drivers lineup? Deep dive into one of the most compelling F1 seasons in recent history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is NOT my normal style of podcast. Recorded at 4:30am in the studio here in Detroit (before my morning show) - sipping coffee and thinking about my week with the 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid. The evolution of the truck to a true daily driver, and the guy who sold me his FX4 back in 2010 because they'd started a family. I was little bit introspective on this one - but I'm proud of it. Jim See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roman De Angelis is one of the best young drivers in the world - in ANY series of racing. We're very fortunate to have him here with #IMSA for the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend (www.detroitgp.com for tickets). Make sure to look for his green #23 Aston Martin Valkyrie prototype this weekend. We talk racing here in Detroit, the downtown track, his experiences at LeMans and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Always cool to hang out with Ricky Taylor and talk Detroit Grand Prix - his pass for the win in the IMSA race last year was the stuff of legend. We grabbed some burgers and talked racing. Also: Reviewing a couple of Kia's (the 2025 Carnival Mini-van and the new K4 GT Line) What can you do with Monaco? The two stop strategy didn't work (obviously) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fun conversation with NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler about the upcoming race at MIS first week of June (mispeedway.com for tickets). Then I give some initial driving impressions of the RAM Rebel X truck (guess what, I love it). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The #Detroit Grand Prix is coming back to downtown Detroit at the end of the month (tickets at detroitgp.com) - caught up with #IndyCar driver Santino Ferrucci and #IndyNXT rising star Myles Rowe to talk racing, pizza and movies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spent a couple weeks with two Toyotas - the Crown Signia and the Tundra TRD Rally edition - both of them amazing rides, but it went deeper than that. We talk about the path Toyota is on...and why I love it. Then Josef Newgarden talks about the hybrid technology being used at the Indy500 this year and how it'll impact the race (remember, this was introduced AFTER the 500 last year) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.