Fuel for the Future

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

Episodes

February 25, 2026 25 mins

Ryan ZumMallen is the founder of Carrara Media, an independent publishing company dedicated to car culture. Ryan began his career as a writer (Slow Car Fast, Cult of GT-R ) and is developing a company that believes in the importance and value of the automotive community. 

Carrara Media: https://www.carrarabooks.com/

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust

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An interesting look at the reciprocal influence between the two markets, with Europe, especially Italian design, shaping early American supercars and a recent trend of American power and styling influencing European exotics.

 

"Fuel for the Future" is presented by State Farm Insurance and driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

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Today, we’re honored to be joined by a legend in American motorsports, Steve Saleen. Over the years his company developed some of the most iconic American specialty vehicles including the Saleen Mustang, and he's worked with LeMay: America's Car Museum to bring a truly unique exhibition to life, "Birth of the American Supercar". 

 

For more on Saleen visit https://saleen.com/models/vehicles/

Visit America's Car Museum at https://ww...

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October 8, 2025 12 mins

The Baja 1000 began as the Tijuana-La Paz Run in 1962, completed by Dave Ekins, and Bill Robertson Jr. on Honda motorcycles, and is now one of the world's most famous, grueling off-road races. The anniversary of the first official Baja 1000, then called the Mexican 1000, is coming up on October 31st. On that day in 1967, over 60 teams competed in the now legendary race. 

 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance an...

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October 1, 2025 10 mins

The first Oldsmobile Toronado was released on October 14th, 1965. It was historically significant as the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive American car since the Cord in 1937. The original Toronado was a luxury coupe, with unique engineering and bold styling. 

 

Fuel for the Future is presented by State Farm Insurance and Driven by America's Automotive Trust. www.americasautomotivetrust.org

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September 24, 2025 10 mins

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 Automot...

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August 27, 2025 38 mins

"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....

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August 20, 2025 12 mins

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.

 

...

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August 13, 2025 9 mins

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 ...

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August 5, 2025 7 mins

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 Futur...

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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,...

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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

 

 

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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

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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 Geor...

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April 23, 2025 13 mins

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...

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April 2, 2025 8 mins

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

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March 26, 2025 8 mins

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

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March 19, 2025 6 mins

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

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March 12, 2025 7 mins

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

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March 5, 2025 7 mins

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.

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