Fuel for the Future

“Fuel for the Future” is your journey into automotive history, passion, and innovation. Driven by America’s Automotive Trust and hosted by Michael May, this is the go-to podcast for car enthusiasts, history buffs, tech aficionados, and anyone with a love for the open road. Each episode takes you on a unique exploration of the ever-evolving world of automobiles - from vintage classics that shaped our past to communities of car enthusiasts, and the designs fueling our future. Our stories and interviews feature industry leaders, rising innovators, and car enthusiasts who drive the automotive world forward. “Fuel for the Future” is more than a podcast; it’s a global community united by a shared passion for all things automotive. Start your engines and join us for an exhilarating ride through the captivating timeline of automotive history and innovation. Learn more about America’s Automotive Trust at https://www.americasautomotivetrust.org/ Presented by State Farm Insurance Produced by Convergent Content Theme Music by Matt Glass

A History of Autonomous Vehicles

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

09-24
10:31

Superhighway71: Toys, Community, & Cars

"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. 

08-27
38:20

The Auto Companies Take on World War II

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

08-20
12:38

Anti-Lock Brakes And Saving Lives

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

08-13
09:24

The Detroit Automobile Company

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

08-05
07:51

Walter Chrysler and 100 Years of the Chrysler Corporation

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. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

06-04
08:37

Driven to Preserve: Interview with Travis Lavine of Lavine Restorations

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    

05-21
23:23

The Cars That Emerged During the 1970s Energy Crisis

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

05-14
15:33

Interview with Evel Knievel's Artist: George Sedlak

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 Instagram: @georgesedlakartist Great Race and XCup: rpm.foundation Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at americasautomotivetrust.org

04-30
31:05

The Cars of The Great Gatsby

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. 

04-23
13:04

The First Electric Car

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

04-02
08:01

Top 5 Selling Cars Of All Time

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

03-26
08:45

The Invention of Cruise Control

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

03-19
06:25

The Invention of the Windshield Wiper

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

03-12
07:34

The First Ferrari

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.

03-05
07:52

The Rotary Engine

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. 

02-19
09:13

The Curious History of the Car Phone

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

02-12
08:36

Gordon Buehrig And The Cord

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

02-05
06:13

Curating Automotive History

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.    “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

10-01
42:46

Jay Gillotti and "Porsche Decades"

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". Purchase Jay's Books: https://www.daltonwatson.com/Jay-Gillotti-author-biography-s/2028.htm https://www.amazon.com/Gulf-917-Jay-Gillotti/dp/1854432990     Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. Learn more at Americasautomotivetrust.org

08-13
37:20

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