Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast

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