What I actually watch when I’m not behind the camera or in the garage.

I thought this might be a fun topic to dive into — the YouTube channels we all end up watching. I’ve got a handful that I follow religiously — the ones I watch every week, or every time they post something new. Then there are others I check out occasionally but still keep in my subscriptions list.

Here’s a look at what keeps me clicking. I’ll also drop in a favorite video from each channel — just in case you want to see what I’m talking about.

The David Freiburger Channel

David Freiburger has spent his entire career in the automotive world — from being editor of Hot Rod Magazine to hosting shows like Roadkill. Once MotorTrend pulled the plug on a bunch of their TV shows, Freiburger shifted his focus to YouTube, and his channel’s been growing ever since.

What I love most? The guy is a walking encyclopedia of automotive history. He’ll drop some obscure fact about an engine or chassis that makes you go, “How the heck did he even know that?” He also hits the road a lot, exploring backroads and small towns, chasing down pieces of Americana you don’t see much anymore.

Vice Grip Garage

Hosted by Derek Bieri, this channel is all about dragging long-forgotten cars out of barns and fields and trying to drive them hundreds of miles home. What could go wrong? Well... usually everything. And that’s part of the fun.

I’ve been watching this channel since way back, and honestly, it never gets old. Derek’s dry humor cracks me up, and his mechanical know-how is rock solid. What really stands out, though, is how he involves his family — taking one of his sons on a weeklong road trip each year, and even featuring his wife and kids in the content. He may not have the historical depth of Freiburger, but when it comes to turning wrenches, he knows his stuff.

He also runs a second channel, Vice Grip Lodge, and his son has one too — Little Grip Garage — which I check out from time to time.

Finnegan’s Garage

Mike Finnegan is another former magazine guy, originally hired by Freiburger, and the two have been working together for years. You might know him best from Roadkill, and like Freiburger, he was one of the hosts let go when MotorTrend shut it all down.

Finnegan started his YouTube channel early and has built up a strong following. He’s always working on something cool, but my favorite project is his 1961 Cadillac Coupe de Ville — a car he originally picked up on Roadkill. It’s now being transformed into an 8-second drag-and-drive beast. He also has a ‘55 Chevy gasser named Blasphemi, and a soft spot for jet boats, mini-trucks, and just about anything loud and fast.

Hot Rods by Dennis Taylor

I found Dennis through the Drag-and-Drive scene — events like Hot Rod Drag Week and Sick Week — where he’s the co-pilot for his daughter Alex. They’ve built one heck of a car that not only races, but also survives long drives between tracks.

Dennis recently launched his own channel, where he shows off builds like his COE and his latest project, “Hot Dump,” an old dump truck he’s turning into something useful (and awesome) around his property. What I like is how detailed he gets in the build videos. He’s a talented fabricator and explains the how and why behind what he’s doing — the kind of content true hot rodders appreciate.

Clay Millican

I can’t remember exactly how long I’ve been watching Clay’s channel, but I rarely miss an episode. This guy has been around drag racing — IHRA and NHRA — longer than most of the folks he’s lining up next to.

I met Clay briefly at SEMA a couple of years ago and he seemed like a genuinely great guy. Always smiling, always positive. Honestly, I think he could walk into a bad day and turn the whole room around just by being there.

He’s passionate about what he does, and even more passionate about the fans. Always signing autographs, chatting with people, taking time for anyone. And if you’ve ever watched the channel, you know the phrase: #stomponthatloudpedal

Spanky’s Hot Rods and Customs

I met Spanky when he had a shop in Heber Springs, AR. Can’t even remember how it started, but one conversation turned into a solid friendship — one of the best parts of this hobby we’re all in.

He’s helped me out more than once with parts, advice, and anything else I needed. On his channel, he shares what he’s working on in the shop — mostly customer cars — and how he gets it all done. He’s a one-man show, which makes it even more impressive.

He’s especially into roadsters, and always signs off with some version of: “Now get out in the garage and work on it or go drive ‘em.” Can’t argue with that.

Flying Sparks Garage

Aaron and Emily Reeves run this channel, and they’re always working on something — from a Corvette to an old Peterbilt they bought from Aaron’s dad and got back on the road to tow their race trailer.

Aaron’s also a pilot, and a few episodes feature their hangar and the planes they fly. Emily’s been involved in drag-and-drive events too, running her GTO at events like Hot Rod Drag Week and Hot Rod Power Tour.

One thing I appreciate about their content is how they involve their family. Their niece, “The Kid,” is learning how to wrench on her C10 — a truck they helped her pick up in one of the episodes. It’s a great blend of technical content, family life, and fun.

And a Few More Worth Mentioning...

There are several others I follow, including:

  • Tom Bailey (Sick Seconds Racing)
  • 1320Video
  • Cleetus McFarland
  • CJ Race Cars

…plus a few others I’m not subscribed to, but still check in on from time to time.

What About You?

Got a favorite YouTube channel you always go back to? Let me know — I’m always up for finding something new to binge while I’m relaxing in the evening.

And while you’re at it, check out our channel:
StillKruzn Arkansas on YouTube

You might just see your ride on there.