Here’s What REALLY Happened to The Drive’s Channel - and How We’re Bringing It Back

***NEW EPISODE TODAY! • Perfect: Toyota MR2 Bu...
Twelve years ago, this channel defined an era of car videos online. Then, it all just...went away. Today, we're bringing it back with the same mission as before: to celebrate the culture of cars. That feels more essential than ever in 2024, doesn't it?
But first, we've got some explaining to do. This is the story of what really happened to one of the greatest car channels-how we rose, fell away, and what we're doing to carry on that legacy today.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: www.thedrive.com/news/heres-t...
The Drive is the chronicle of car culture. We write stories you actually want to read. → www.thedrive.com/
Merch → thedrive.creator-spring.com/
FOLLOW US!
Instagram → / thedrive
Facebook → / thedrive
X → / thedrive
Threads → www.threads.net/@thedrive

[@drive]

It's good to be back-thank you so much for your support everyone. It means the world to us. And we know the sensor was dirty-that was a genuine fuckup. Check out our newest video, clean lens this time! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ3YZKmKg7yba6M

[@HemiMike]

Good news! so who are the Hosts?

[@SaifBinAdhed]

and Derek D ????

[@flacjacket]

As one of the few who actually subscribed to Drive+ back in the day (and who eventually became extremely frustrated with how little content that subscription ultimately bought) it's good to see you back, but don't even think about a subscription model again.

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

Please

[@t0nit04]

Back in the days i bought two seasons of drive+ on vimeo and they were worth the money as far as i can remember. But i also had a subscription for petrolicious later which was wasted money in my eyes. Still miss the old days with /drive, depth of speed, petrolicous and motortrend's shows.

[@CleKoh]

I have been subscribed as well. Just saw the sharkwerks vid a few weeks back. Absolutely love the production value. I would really love to see what you can do today

[@craigyirush3492]

Me too! I subbed b/c of Harris and I felt that we should pay for content.

[@JasonFiske]

Paid for a few years or months with no content. Strange vanishing of Chris and the boys.

[@edgaramaury795]

I was a Producer/videographer/editor for Drive Network during the golden era. It was great to be a part of! Enjoyed working with Zack, Mike, Matt, Spinelli and the rest.

[@jonathanthomas7228]

Spinelli was a man after my own heart, especially after he got that Jag. I hope he's well.

[@Lakefield_]

Damn, /Drive, Fast Lane Daily, Jalopnik... those were the days! Made me the car guy i am today. Glad this channel makes a comeback. Let's get it going!

[@markanthonyhurston]

Whoa😮did you say, FLD ... freaking through back , as were the others you mentioned ... dem was da days fo sure...

[@markanthonyhurston]

heck yeah, and bring back my big homie, Alex Roy ... with a dash of Mr Harris ... gentlemen driver extraordinaire

[@uncajesse]

​@@markanthonyhurston I wonder if FLD is still owned by The Drive?

[@Ammageddon89]

Jalopnik is still going ;)

[@rherbfm]

There was also petrollicious but something also happened that gave them a bad rep.

[@AZisk]

can we appreciate how good his mic sounds even while driving a convertible?

[@IBIScnc]

He put all his stat points into audio and had none leftover to clean his lens.

[@mediocreman2]

His beard buffered the wind. 😅

[@drive]

i passed along your compliment to the sound guy

[@sixpots]

Chris Harris on Cars, Drive Protect and Born a Car are still 3 of my favourite series's's's' on KZbin. I can't wait to see some new content!

[@gregmayled]

I love how this is filmed like an old drive video. Feels very nostalgic and unique

[@drive]

thanks man. doing our best

[@ConnorCarbone]

This channel was all I watched back in 2014/2015 so glad to see it back. So excited. I hope this channel gets back to it's former glory and is huge again so it stays around.

[@paulgudedeberitz2335]

Great to have you back. You have been missed. Please bring back After/Drive, I loved that nerdy show.

[@GJM-]

Oh, yes, me too.

[@IanWhelan]

I'm glad you enjoyed After/Drive. I was a producer on that show and we had a lot of fun back in the day!

[@zacmoseley56]

Me three, but I'm cleary biased

[@paulgudedeberitz2335]

@@zacmoseley56 Please come back and bring the other legends!

[@zacmoseley56]

@@paulgudedeberitz2335 if the powers that be are listening maybe it can be so. @drive 🤙me...

[@Jonperrego]

This channel with Matt Farah truly sparked my interest in all things fast.

[@alienworkshop37]

Yeah me too.

[@jareknowak8712]

The camera lens was dirty. Welcome back.

[@EUC-lid]

If you subscribe to Drive+ the camera lens is clear.

[@drive]

That was a genuine fuckup. Rental lens, dirt inside, couldn't see it on the monitor in bright sunlight when we were shooting.

[@viewpressure]

Makes you more genuine. @@drive

[@megamastah]

@@drive it can be part of the vibe, embrace it. Not in this video though :)

[@sp00kyaction]

One thing that Kyle hits on that newer viewers might not get is that in 2012, there was barely any car content on youtube with actual production value. That was still primarily the domain of network television, and was not cheap to make. Not only did /DRIVE beat traditional media at their own game (before being shamefully absorbed and spat out by it), but legitimately produced content that exceeded the best of what legacy media had to offer. It wasn't just about offering the equivalent of Motortrend or Speedtv but on youtube- they wanted to set a different bar altogether, and did. There's nothing I can say about the original hosts that hasn't already been said, except perhaps that Spinelli and Musto were both deeply underrated. Of course Chris Harris was always going to land on his feet, and Mr. Smoking Tire certainly needed no help, but the vive-le-strange vibrancy of Spinelli mixed with Musto's blue-collar charm really made them unique in their ability to connect with different kinds of car people. Musto, especially, managed to feature guys you really wouldn't see anywhere else with Big Muscle. It rules that this channel lives once more.

[@blueman5924]

What you said..100% ! 👏👏

[@drive]

first mover disadvantage is REAL

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

Excited for what's to come... The channel is in good hands with Kyle.

[@pontiacfoo]

There has never been another car channel like Drive! Drive+ was ahead of its time! GOAT car content! I was so sad when it ended.

[@anastasmateev]

First person to see with a tattoo like mine. Passion must be strong.

[@ChrisSaddlerSam]

2:56 The Dream Team!!!

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

It's interesting to look back at Drive+ on how it was one of the first subscription model channels. There was so much backlash and now everyone does it, superchats, merch and other stuff. But I Especially miss AfterDrive with spinelli and crew, /Drive protect with Larry, CHOC, Alex Roy/JF on live and let/Drive and /Drive on NBCSports.

[@MBisFrenchy]

They all got screwed per Matt Farah

[@Miata822]

Welcome back! I was surprised to see this video pop up in my feed and for a couple days I thought it was just an old vid being recycled and passed it by. I'll be watching. Good luck.

[@drive]

thanks for watching!

[@yashwin8858]

I grew up watching you guys on TV, it lit a fire in my heart..... Welcome back, I missed you guys. I'm excited for the new content to say the least

[@lunamatic9775]

It feels like all current car channels owe a lot to what the /Drive team started here, glad to see you pick it back up. Good luck, I'm excited to see what's coming out.

[@drive]

thanks so much, your support is truly valued 😊

[@LamboFreakLP670]

It’s great to see you guys back! I’m all for bringing the passion back into classic and locally owned/tuned cars. I feel like we are losing that side of car culture recently. Looking forward to the Charisma series!

[@drive]

Thank you! hope you enjoyed the first couple of eps.

[@einar_]

Looking forward to the videos, great to have you back.

[@SteezyG]

Alex Roy was my absolute favourite as everyone hated him. It was great to see matt on here from his garage 419 days. Everyone was brilliant to be honest. I loved the cross overs too.

[@zerodrift1]

Glad to have you back! I really missed this channel and the great content that was shared!

[@vinceteo7091]

Watching this video made my day, I first subscribed to drive when I was 16 in 2013 and always wondered what was happening with the channel over the years. I’m sure there’s many other viewers who are excited to see what the next chapter will bring. Welcome back.

[@drive]

thought it was important to give people the full story, even though i'm sure a lot of people watching were like, what the hell is he talking about. but for those who needed to hear it, it's vital!

[@kpegc]

This channel provided me with much entertainment throughout the time it was active, and exposed me to so many different elements of the automotive culture. The NBCSN show was a highlight for me, too. I'm excited about its return and wish you all the best! I hope the door is open for the NBCSN show to be archived as well; seasons 5 & 6 from 2018-19 are currently not available online at all and are too good to remain lost!

[@drive]

That's a question for NBC, but we'll see!

[@kpegc]

@@drive Hopefully they can at least put it on something like Peacock or Tubi. You guys did a great job with that show!

[@PenguinScotty]

Well, definitely didn't expect this! Looking forward to the new content. One thing i would love to see come back is Driver's Eye. The C7.R video from Daytona and, of course, Rain Dance with Leh, are some of my all time favorites.

[@1FastLPTVolvo]

Welcome back! Looks like it'll be fun to watch what you all create and the stories you share.

[@TheRealAmateurX]

I LOVE the ideas for this channel! Subscribed!

[@drive]

thank youuuu

[@Erik_The_Viking]

YAY! Glad you're back! I really miss the original Drive - what a great cast. I still watch the old videos because they were so well done. JF Musial and team did a great job with the video production. Looking forward to the new content!

[@drive]

they set a super high bar, and we're doing our best to meet it

[@mistreku]

this was one of my all time fav car channels, it's so good to see it come back!

[@FLYINGSHEEPRALLY]

Always enjoyed great car content from Drive. Good luck for the future and welcome back.

[@Nikita_Turbo]

Glad to have you back! Seems like you’ve hit the algo, that’s a good sign.

[@flashsgarage]

I first saw an old white modified 1974 Porsche 911 in the back of a /Drive video. Now it lives with me in Dubai. Loved their content and glad to have them back!

[@MichaelG1986]

Great news. Really looking forward to see what you guys produce.

[@pgrens]

Fantastic news! Looking very forward to this, so glad to hear the channel is coming back in its original spirit. Cheers from Chicago!

[@drive]

thank you!!

[@janiksch5733]

What a great SL. Love the way you filmed this nice car...

[@johndillon28]

Its about time! I started watching alot of the individual hosts on Drive before they came here (many even after they left). Then boom 2012 I had my liscense and a brand new Camaro SS. This was the place to be for cars and I hope it can be again!

[@peterdelaat273]

Excited for the comeback, you had the best car videos back in the day, some of them i'll remember forever, even seriously considered the subscription

[@LifeOfACarNerd]

Oh hell yes. I remember loving watching tuned, which felt in a way like watching No Reservations, but for cars. And Mike Musto making me excited about muscle cars and realizing that, wait a minute, these things can actually be made to look really cool in many different ways, and actually be more than just straight line things. Of course, Chris Harris. There's just no point in trying to write anything about him because, well, its Chris Harris. Enough said. But what also made Drive cool were the other videos. Like, Life of A Rallyist with Ryan. Or whenever Alex Roy would give us his epic rants and actually make us think about very interesting ways of viewing the car world. Can't wait!

[@Nygle123]

Welcome back. Great explanation, and story. What a ride. Looking forward to the new content. I’d love to see a passionate 914 owner doing something interesting with their ride.

[@drive]

thanks for watching, and hopefully trusting!

[@somewhat-similar]

Whaaaaat?! You’re back!! Wooooo 🎉

[@drive]

yes!! really!!

[@justinschultz4325]

I still have a faded /Drive t-shirt that I bought when I subscribed to Drive+. You're back. I'm back. We're all back. I'm hoping for the best.

[@ChrisBundy17]

Glad you guys are back. Someone needs to clean that lens in monologue portions.

[@VitalieV112]

Welcome back! Wishing you even more success ahead!

[@mattpipes5106]

I didn’t watch the OG Drive… I just clicked to see more of the sweet, sweet Mercedes R107… but I’m glad I did and can’t wait to see more!

[@scottjs5207]

They've got a pretty good backlog you could watch through too. I watched this channel a lot in high school and college.

[@drive]

bait for sure

[@joeygoodwin4943]

I miss afterDrive, hope it comes back. Glad to see the channel is being revived!

[@alexanderbont]

I appreciate the openness and cannot wait for the new content

[@itsaboutfam]

I am digging the new approach. I am always interested in the stories of owners and their relationship they have with their cars/truck/SUV etc. I think is a common thing that connects a lot of us that cherish their machines with wheels. I look forward to the future content!

[@drive]

bingo. it's fascinating stuff

[@johninama585]

Welcome back! Looking forward to what you have coming up!

[@stevemcmaster100]

The Leh Keen Drivers Eye video is perhaps my favourite video of all time. Welcome back. What chance of bringing all of the /Drive MSNBC videos to the channel - would love to see them...

[@TheWallyTirado]

I was one of the /drive + that was totally turned off. Glad to see your back. I was an early subscriber.

[@abstracts2004]

Glad to see you guys back up and running. Whoever is editing your videos needs to get better at color correction. Wayyyy to much contrast for KZbin.

[@billkelley2889]

Great to hear. I used to have a piece of Drive (allegedly). Still waiting for my share of the original sale from Rensing.

[@secretsquirrel9722]

I was here from the start. I did miss you but almost all the players come out on there own patch. The big one I missed as he seemingly disappeared was Musto and big muscle. I've never been a muscle car guy myself. But I loved that show! The cars, the stories and his delivery were on point every time. My biggest struggle these days = I don't know if it is youtube themselves, or the old channels removing content. But it's really hard to go back and rewatch all the greats. Drive, petrolicous which grew from depth of speed, all the pre-subscription motor trend.

[@RetroGamerr1991]

Glad to see you guys. as a Drive+ subscriber back in the day I'm just curious if you guys are going to re-upload those videos. I was trying to show somebody that ICON Impala SS build and that's when I found the channel was essentially dissolved.

[@drive]

We've got all the old Drive+ videos. Stay tuned!

[@RetroGamerr1991]

@@drive Will do! For once I'm actually going to hit that bell notification lmao.

[@dbeckMSP]

I hope spinelli comes back, miss that guy. Also how cool would a fast lane daily reboot be??

[@KarpucMotoring]

Appreciate the straight to the point honesty about what happened, makes me root for you guys and want to watch again! Do an E39 M5!!

[@drive]

thank you. we’re on it! 🫡

[@DaveAdams222]

Well now . . . this is gonna be joyful! I remember when you all reported on my project, The Drift Taxi, with my W220 S600 rocketing sideways. It really gave me a sense of belonging and purpose. I'm so glad to see you're back!

[@drive]

love that video. that's what it's all about man!

[@Thisath100]

Looking forward to the new series! Reminds me of a series Hagerty had/has on Modern Classics. Loved the segments where they talk to the car owners.

[@drive]

thanks! hope you're enjoying it so far.

[@Yabadabado1234]

I remember meeting JF at Mosport in Canada one year. Great guy and true enthusiast. Glad the boys are back

[@mikespinnn]

Congrats guys. Great to see the channel surviving.

[@drive]

♥♥♥♥♥

[@RAA12586]

Glad you guys are making a comeback

[@grafja]

This sounds good. I appreciate the backstory and the renewed focus on the individual and their passion projects. I'll be tuning in.

[@drive]

thanks for watching!

[@zyberworld]

I was subscribed to Drive + and proud of it. I just wanted to support the quality, authenticity and inclusivity of all things cars. Things happen and I guess its true that good things come to an end. But no one ever said anything about (not) coming back to life. Welcome back and lets gooooo!

[@marioalexandre7410]

This channel and Motor Trend were the standard back in the day. Then it all went to shit

[@GJM-]

Definitely.

[@drive]

a LOT went to shit, to be fair

[@Charlie26619]

It's been forever since I have seen a new video glad to see 👀 you guys are back

[@faldypradana1839]

Literally just yesterday I was binge watching old /Drive content such as Chris Harris in the AMG Hammer and when he was reviewing the Singer Porsche (and happily finding out that the Singer that he took a look at when it was still being built was the EXACT Singer that I myself had previosly drove before), and today this video dropped. Welcome back The/Drive, looking forward to the content that you will bring with this newfound independence

[@drive]

sometimes things just work out like that. appreciate your support 🙏

[@jackattack1243]

Bring back fast lane daily??!

[@rjung_ch]

Bring Fast Lane Daily back as well please!

[@kabel9357]

I was there in the beginning. Bolted when the whole subscription thing happened. Interested to see how this new endeavor evolves 👍

[@scottjs5207]

I remember when MT did it too and they locked shows you could see normally behind a paywall only months after promising they wouldn't... what a shame they both did it.

[@drive]

ha, we're interested too. hope we give you a reason to keep watching.

[@MattJelonek]

Great video and welcome back. But you require a sensor clean before filming guys. See you in the next one.

[@AllSpeed]

so happy to see you return to form. Drive had the best videos period.

[@AliAbbasi87]

love that you guys are back, absolute pinnacle of YT car culture. just dont put videos out without a 4k option please.

[@ricepony33]

Appreciate the transparency, welcome back.

[@drive]

had to do it!

[@foxmeadfellon]

So happy you're back, channels like dount just feel like shallow click bait now days

[@vianneylavigne3363]

Looking forward! Welcome back!

[@WhiteCharisma]

The "Hit Different" line was definitely the most 2020 thing from the video 😂 I was shocked seeing "Carisma" because that was my first internet name not knowing what the word meant and liking cars! Great to see it being used! Welcome back!

[@drive]

hey, all credit to you then!

[@WhiteCharisma]

@@drive it's ok! It's my bad for not revisiting the idea sooner when my channel was booming. Gotta make new plans for the reboot for track day content 🤣

[@touringmagazine5935]

Great to hear! The Drive might be the first automotive channel I ever started watching on KZbin.

[@drive]

and i hope you like what you see after all these years!

[@gp1683]

Ron Jeremy has lost weight and is doing car reviews🙂

[@drive]

Not the first time I've heard that.

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

​@@driveHopefully not just with your clothes on.

[@patrickduffy94]

@AviationPhotography Calm down you filthy reptile.

[@VoidSinister]

​@@drive Legend 😂

[@Sideways_Singh]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@micahgunnell]

The Drive used to be one of my favorites back in the day. Looking forward to seeing what you guys produce! 👍😊

[@MrTincho84ar]

Good to see you back guys.. lets keep up the great work

[@BinauralBae]

Glad you guys are back! Tho please clean your camera sensors

[@Levibetz]

Good to have you back! Looks like you haven't cleaned the lens since the shoot with Harris and the F40 though haha

[@jtfoog5220]

lol noticed that too. It must be intentional

[@Levibetz]

​@@jtfoog5220I think it must be a shield for car to car shooting that didn't get cleaned well enough. With outdoor shooting and a tight aperture, suddenly all the imperfections show up. Next time some ND filters and a good cleaning would help. But that being said, getting the content complete and out there is most important, so I don't really care. It's about the cars and talent, the technical qualities are minor little things.

[@IanWhelan]

Hey! I managed to make it into this video at 3:03! Good luck with the revival!

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

Shout out to Ian, the guy that edited and published a lot of /DRIVE content :)

[@IanWhelan]

@@JFdotMUSIAL Thanks! We had good times back then. I've missed it. Hope to see you at the NYIAS this year.

[@empeg9000]

I miss you being in the automotive world. That was a cool time in KZbin history.

[@IanWhelan]

@@empeg9000 Yes it was. I miss it too sometimes!

[@drive]

you sure did!

[@jsegal31]

Love this and love the positive comments here. One big community

[@comedicd]

Not throwing shade, but pretty crazy this whole video and not one mention of Fast Lane Daily which was a crucial part of all of this. Also, where most of the Drive guys got their start, especially on camera and met eachother. FLD never gets any credit that it deserves…Anyway, best of luck with the channel.

[@corvettestories4349]

Glad you guys are back! During covid, I got so antsy, I made a few car videos. Enthusiasts can never be fully suppressed :)

[@electrosau2]

What a nice suprise. I would have never expected to see you guys uploading again. Hopefully the best car show can return back to it's original glory 🙏

[@PAPO1990]

Interested to see how this goes. Cool to see an OG viewer running things... But I do wonder HOW OG... You did show some clips from the early days that were on the FLD set, but were you watching FLD through multiple hosts? ;) (For the record, not taking a shot, just curious, and maybe looking to remaniss with some people in the comments if people see this ;) )

[@windowsdown3684]

Damn that w124 coupe w Chris Harris is my fav KZbin vid of all time Thanks for the history, I missed the first wave as I wasn’t on KZbin back then Here for the new wave thanks guys

[@distantcomets]

Welcome back! Here's hoping some of the other brilliant "new media" sites and channels that got devoured and then forgotten by old media also can rise from the ashes.

[@smileeemotikon2520]

Good luck, guys. But no mention of Fast Lane Daily? The show was the incubator for all the great stuff that followed.

[@comedicd]

bingo

[@Kmancanada]

Well this is exciting, and a good video to get us up to speed. All the best in this new chapter, I'll be watching. P.S. I like the new angle you're taking, with the enthusiast and his/her car. The SL example you give is an excellent illustration. You might be picking up where Petrolicious left off. (They disappeared off of KZbin as well. (Well, no new content).)

[@drive]

that's kinda the thinking! hope our first two carisma episodes got you watching

[@AliasHSW]

0:08 exactly my thoughts when today’s story on Z popped up. Instantly I recognized the video editing flavor that Musto did on a car in NYC

[@cleyellow]

Yaay, happy that you guys are back!

[@F80_Roach]

Been waiting for this moment… video felt real. Thanks

[@drive]

that was the goal. have to level with everyone! thanks for watching

[@AlexBeras]

Glad this is coming back. This inspired my own channel.

[@johnzero8923]

Looking forward to new Drive, love that classic merc,

[@GranDaddo]

Chris Harris on Cars is still for me greatest "one man" car channel ever. He and Neil made Oscar-worthy content. That episode when he first tried McLaren P1, at that time was best video ever. I was really dissapointed with Drive+ era. Hope you will be good as in old times.

[@autosenses2960]

Yup! I’m in. My favorite video from Drive was JF’s Aston Martin racing factory tour. Matt Alf’s Tuned was amazing too.

[@JFdotMUSIAL]

If you only knew how hard that Aston Martin shoot was....

[@autosenses2960]

@@JFdotMUSIAL I just re watched it. It's so good though. Music, matched perfectly. Nicely done.

[@kevinrandolph9109]

The business world is a vicious monster, im glad you guys could bounce back!