What does it really take to build a true street Volkswagen that can survive the cruise… and then go heads-up on the drag strip?

On this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, we sit down with Dino Mendoza — one of the driving forces behind the VW Real Street racing scene — to break down one of the most exciting and authentic forms of air-cooled Volkswagen drag racing happening today.

Dino gives us an inside look at how Real Street VW racing was built from the ground up, what separates it from traditional bracket racing, and why the rules—pump gas, all motor, carbureted, and mandatory street cruise—are what make this class so competitive and respected.

We dive deep into:

• The origins and evolution of VW Real Street racing
• What it takes to build a fast, reliable air-cooled VW drag car
• Why "real street" means more than just a name
• Engine combinations, tuning strategies, and common mistakes
• The difference between heads-up drag racing vs bracket racing
• Stories from the track and the people pushing the limits of street-driven Volkswagens

If you're into classic Volkswagen performance, VW drag racing, air-cooled engine builds, or street-driven race cars, this episode is packed with real-world knowledge straight from someone shaping the scene.

Whether you're building your own VW or just love the culture, this is one you don't want to miss.

One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is preserving the history of the Volkswagen scene—and sometimes, that history shows up in ways you don't expect.

While catching up with my friend Dean Kirsten, I was blown away to learn he had a collection of long-form digital interviews he recorded back in the early 2000s for Hot VWs Magazine. These weren't just quick quotes for print—they were deep, unfiltered conversations with some of the most influential figures in the VW world.

What you're about to hear is Part One of a two-part series from one of those interviews—originally conducted for Lyle Cherry's feature article in the January 2013 issue of Hot VWs.

And let me tell you—this is where long-form really shines.

In a magazine, you're limited by page space and word count. But in a conversation like this, you get the full story—the details, the personality, the behind-the-scenes moments that never make it into print.

Lyle Cherry was a true force in Volkswagen drag racing for over 40 years, representing Richland Hills, Texas, and a whole crew of racers who were pushing the limits of performance. The Texas scene wasn't just competitive—it was innovative. These guys were building fast cars and forcing the West Coast to step up their game.

So as you listen, pay attention. You'll hear the roots of a lot of the technology and development that shaped VW drag racing—and a lot of it came straight out of Texas.

Super Beetles have long been one of the most misunderstood—and often underappreciated—air-cooled Volkswagens here in the United States. But if you look across the pond, or even dig into certain corners of the hardcore VW scene, the story is completely different.

Built from 1971 to 1977, the Super Beetle was actually Volkswagen's most advanced evolution of the classic Beetle platform. With its MacPherson strut front suspension, improved handling, and increased comfort, it marked a major leap forward in performance and drivability. Yet despite those advancements, it never quite earned the respect it deserved in the U.S.—while in Europe, it's celebrated, raced, and even has its own dedicated series: the Kafer Cup.

On this episode, we sit down with John List, one of the original founders of SuperBeetlesOnly.com, to dive deep into what makes the Super Beetle special. We talk about the platform's untapped potential, the best performance upgrades, and how parts from other Volkswagen and Porsche models can be adapted to take these cars to the next level.

If you're into German Look Beetles, suspension tuning, or just want to understand why the Super Beetle might be the most overlooked performance VW out there—this episode is packed with insight, real-world experience, and inspiration to rethink everything you thought you knew about the Super.

He's not dead… and neither is true VW innovation.

In the world of classic Volkswagens, creativity has always been part of the DNA. From backyard builders to full-blown innovators, the VW scene thrives on people who see a problem—and build something better.

That's exactly what happened with Kent Wallace and Dave Patten.

Frustrated with the messy, outdated process of filling oil in their VW engines, these two enthusiasts set out to solve a problem we've all dealt with. What came out of it? A simple but brilliant oil fill adapter that changed the game. Originally selling for just $19, this clever piece has since skyrocketed—fetching over $300 on the secondary market.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The early inspiration rooted in Las Vegas off-road racing

• The journey from idea to product development

• The challenges of manufacturing and bringing a part to market

• And the real question… what happened next?

Did it become a lasting success—or did something come along that killed it?

This is more than just a part… it's the story of the VW inventor mindset.

Carburetors have long been one of the very first performance upgrades people make to their classic Volkswagens. But with so many choices out there—Weber DCNFs, IDAs, IDFs, and the various Dellorto options in 36, 40, and 45mm—it can be hard to know which setup is right for your engine.

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Hunt of Rick Hunt Industries, a man who rebuilds carburetors every single day. Rick has been part of the Volkswagen scene since the mid-1980s, when he started working at a VW shop in Simi Valley. There he learned mechanical work, engine rebuilding, and eventually developed a specialty in carburetors—something he's become widely known for throughout the VW community.

Today, Rick rebuilds carburetors for professional engine builders and enthusiasts alike. His deep knowledge of Weber and Dellorto carburetors helps people choose the right setup for their engine combination and get the most performance out of their dual-carb systems.

We talk about the differences between popular carburetor models, common mistakes people make when selecting carbs, and what information you should provide when sending your carburetors in for a rebuild. The more details you give, the better the end result when you receive those freshly rebuilt Webers back.

If you've ever wondered which carburetor setup is right for your VW—or how to get the most performance and drivability out of your dual carbs—this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world knowledge from someone who's been doing it for nearly 40 years.

Heres a link to one of Georges videos on Syncronizig carburators

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f5E1oZyajw&t=26s

On this episode of Let's Talk Dubs, Bill breaks down his latest Volkswagen marketplace find — a 1973 VW Sport Bug, one of the coolest factory special editions Volkswagen produced in the early '70s. These cars were offered in just two colors, Marathon Blue Metallic or Saturn Yellow, and came from the factory with a unique package that included wider sport wheels, close-ratio steering, Recaro sport seats, a custom sport steering wheel, blacked-out trim, and the signature side racing stripe that made the Sport Bug stand out from the standard Beetle lineup.

Bill talks about what makes the 1973 Sport Bug so unique, how rare these special edition Beetles really are, and what his plans are for this latest addition to the fleet.

We also dive into the 2026 Volkswagen show season, previewing some of the major VW events coming up this year. Plus we recap Desert Dub Fest 5 in Phoenix, Arizona, which took place over Valentine's weekend and brought out a great crowd of air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts.

George T. joins the conversation for a round-table discussion, along with updates on a few projects currently in the works.

If you're into air-cooled VW Beetles, special edition Volkswagens, and the stories behind the cars, this is a fun one you won't want to miss.

"Karma" is the latest ground-breaking creation from Type 1 Restoration — Dennis Troggio's 1955 Lowlight Karmann Ghia that just captured the coveted Al Slonaker Award at the Grand National Roadster Show, the highest honor for non-roadster vehicles at the most prestigious indoor custom car show in the world.

This wasn't their first shot at Slonaker glory.

We get into the second attempt — and how lessons learned from the legendary "Turmoil" split-window Beetle (a build that redefined what was possible in the VW and hot rod world) shaped the philosophy behind Karma. Turmoil raised the bar. Karma shattered it.

The 1955 Lowlight Karmann Ghia is already one of the rarest early production Volkswagens ever built — the very first year of Ghia production. Owner Dennis Troggio was also hands on with this build. But this car goes far beyond restoration. Nearly everything on Karma has been re-engineered, re-imagined, or custom-machined from scratch. The list of untouched parts is shorter than the list of one-off components.

From custom-machined brake rotors carved out of solid cast iron, to intricate mechanical detailing throughout, no surface was overlooked. The interior, crafted by the world-renowned Recovery Room, is a masterclass in craftsmanship and restraint. Power comes from a 300 horsepower, full-race engine built by Doug Gonzales of RevMaster — a monster Type 1 powerplant that proves air-cooled performance belongs on the biggest stage.

Competing against multi-million-dollar customs and elite coach-built machines, Karma didn't just show up — it changed the conversation. This win is proof that when precision engineering meets vision, a Volkswagen can stand toe-to-toe with the best custom cars in the world.

We also talk about the evolution of Type 1 Restoration, the misunderstood builds, the favorites, the setbacks, and the relentless drive to keep pushing the envelope.

If history has shown us anything, it's this: the next build coming from their shop will redefine expectations all over again.

This episode is about craftsmanship, competition, redemption — and changing the game for Volkswagens on the biggest stage in custom car culture.

On this episode, Bill dives headfirst into One Crazy Weekend 2026 and what you can expect from what's shaping up to be the biggest, baddest weekend of the year. If you're planning to attend, now's the time to start saving, booking rooms, and getting mentally prepared—this one's going to be special.

Bill breaks down the latest updates, including the new Sunday Cool-Down Pool Party, presented by Spikes Restoration and Werk Restoration—a perfect way to wind down after a full throttle weekend of Volkswagens, friends, and late nights.

The episode also covers Bill's road trip to the Grand National Show, where he went to support the VW community and those competing for the prestigious Al Slonker Award. Congrats go out to Buddy Hile with One Restoration, who took home the top honors.

Rounding things out, Bill shares thoughts from stopping by the Doug Berg Memorial Celebration of Life, reflecting on legacy, community, and the people who shaped the VW world.

Packed with updates, stories from the road, and what's coming next—this episode sets the tone for an exciting year ahead. Enjoy.

https://www.letstalkdubs.com/one-crazy-weekend.html

www.vwtrendsmagazine.com

www.rosswulf.com

There's been a lot of noise lately about engine performance, dyno numbers, and expectations—and instead of adding to the speculation, I brought in someone who actually lives this stuff. This week, I sit down with Fred Simpson for a good conversation on cylinder head technology, porting and polishing, and how all of it really translates into horsepower.

Fred breaks down engine combinations, airflow calculations, and what kind of power you can realistically expect from different motor setups—while also being honest about the limitations he's run into over the years. We also get into camshaft technology and ask the big question: has cam design kept pace with modern cylinder head development?

To round it out, Fred shares his unfiltered take on exhaust systems—what works, what doesn't, and which designs he says flat-out choke an engine. If you're into engine theory, real-world results, and no-BS technical insight, this is one of those episodes you won't want to miss.

www.vwtrendsmagazine.com

www.rosswulf.com use LTD10 for a discount

www.letstalkdubs.com

I made it a whole two weeks into the new year without buying a new project… and then I blew it 😆. This episode kicks off with the story of how I ended up with "Pookie's Dream," the iconic VW Trends August 1991 cover car. We touch on what that car meant to the hobby back then and why it still matters today.

But the real heart of this episode is The Great Engine Debate. A recent dyno session sparked a massive discussion after comments posted by Ross Wolf revealed an engine that didn't deliver the expected results. What followed was an explosion of opinions—over 65 comments deep—covering engine specs, dyno expectations, real-world performance, and long-standing air-cooled engine-building philosophies.

We get deep into the weeds on what numbers really matter, why expectations don't always match results, and how different builders approach power, reliability, and intent. To balance the conversation, we bring in feedback from both sides, including insight from Jared Winton and a direct take from Pat Downs Performance on the topic.

This is one of those discussions that never really ends in the VW world—but that's what makes it so good. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy another episode of Let's Talk Dubs, where history, opinion, and air-cooled passion collide.

The baddest "Kat" in the Chevy truck world might surprise you—because it all started with Volkswagens. In this episode, we sit down with "Dino Battilana, the mastermind behind the world-famous Dino Git Down Chevy truck show in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest and most influential classic Chevy C10 events in the country.

For more than 10 years, Dino Git Down has drawn Chevy pickup trucks from all over the United States and international visitors, growing into an absolute monster of a show. With over 13,000 trucks attending last year, it has become a must-attend event for classic truck enthusiasts, custom builders, and C10 fans worldwide.

But before the C10 fame, Dino's automotive journey began in the Volkswagen world. In this episode, we dive deep into his VW roots, his passion for air-cooled Volkswagens, and how that foundation shaped his approach to building, design, and community. We also break down his latest personal build—a jaw-dropping 1960 Volkswagen that defies categories. While it looks like a convertible, the window channels have been permanently sealed, making it a true open-air cruiser with a unique custom twist.

This VW features air suspension by Levi at Pan Draggers, traditional styling mixed with modern creativity, and even subtle Chevy-inspired interior details—a perfect crossover of two iconic automotive worlds. We talk shop on custom fabrication, air-ride setups, vintage Volkswagen styling, and how his love for VW culture helped influence the growth of one of the biggest classic truck shows in the country.

If you're into classic Volkswagens, Chevy C10 trucks, custom car culture, air suspension builds, automotive event history, or the evolution of car shows, this episode is a must-listen. We cover Dino's full journey—from air-cooled VW beginnings to building an automotive empire—and how Dino Git Down became the global phenomenon it is today.

Enjoy