The REAL Reason I Quit Motor Trend's Hot Rod Garage Show!!

[@9874123654aa]

I do miss the Lucky / Tony dynamic duo.

[@jasonblack8639]

Yes sir. Not the same. Had to move on to faster with Newbern and Cotton

[@justinrobertson5493]

Lucky did get a Typhoon on his channel, maybe something will happen?

[@thomasrounds3337]

Thanks for sharing Tony. I'm glad you're still friends with your ex wife. My daughter's Mom and I weren't good as a couple but became best friends raising our daughter together after splitting up. 30 years later we're still family. I'm happy your daughter is doing better too

[@michaelblacktree]

Same here, but I totally understand why Tony left. I would have done the same. I'm just glad he's here on youtube.

[@danmyers9372]

Lucky and Alex are both super talented, knowledgeable plus is just hilarious. But their chemistry together just doesn’t work. Could be the age difference but not sure.

[@DylanMcCoolVideo]

I haven’t even watched the video yet I’m just glad you’re here on KZbin!

[@StayTunedTA]

Thanks bud! Glad to be here!

[@atbgaming8342]

Well, two of my favorite car tubers in the same place... Life is good.

[@deanavitch]

Anyone can be a dad but takes a real man to be a fully devoted father. You sacrificed a lot to suit your children’s needs not just a pay check in the post. Hats off to you sir

[@User0000000000000004]

what are you on about? if he is divorsed because he was abusive, you don't know. Shut up.

[@deanavitch]

@@User0000000000000004 hahaha you jumped up prik if was true he wouldn’t be happy co parent and associating with his ex plus over clear factors if you have any life experience but either way it’s non of our concern or business. The man’s just expressing himself and I cast my own opinion simple. Don’t need numpties like you having a dig

[@christopherreiser1975]

agree with the sentiment, but it's the other way around. anyone can be a father. it just comes down to sperm production. being a dad is an entirely different ball game. There are a lot of men who are dads to kids who they are not biological fathers of, and there are plenty of fathers who aren't dads.

[@Dartagn]

Tony, I had no idea. I don't know you, but my heart hurts that you went through all of that, stayed a total professional and just made life work without publicly complaining. You are a beast emotionally and I'm even more proud to be a fan than I was before. Thanks for sharing.

[@DeagleBingo]

renal artery dissection (any major arterial dissection) is truly not a joke either. complications, especially from blood clots kill ppl every single day at every single major hospital around the nation... beast is ... understatement. hey everyone reading this: do you know the signs and symptoms of stroke? and what to do? everyone is familiar with basic heart attack stuff... but ppl should familiarize themselves with early signs and non-typical signs of heart attack and stroke .. especially in women bc many times its not as quickly recognized.

[@TheCrackerman1981]

I was going to do my own comment but this here says what I feel for sure!

[@mygtprobe]

Well, said. Life is certainly a balance! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@87aeromonte]

Tons of respect for airing "the laundry" to all of us. I love how it feels like youre just building cool stuff with the boys. Keep it up man!

[@StayTunedTA]

Thanks for watching! Just wanted to hopefully get the story straight.

[@danmyers9372]

@@StayTunedTA - I know how you feel Tony. My wife and I were super involved (upfront on stage) in a large church in our city. For our own personal reasons we left and the rumors as to why we left flew fast and rampant. People are people and part of that is feeling a deep need to know inside stuff and to start rumors about what they think they know. 🤷

[@dakotasclassiccars7246]

In like 2018 you helped me locate my old 66Cutlass after seeing it in the background of the El Camino Ice drag episode then Fast forward to March 4, 2020 like 2 days before Covid went crazy you offered to meet me at the Motortrend office and even after the filming manager guy kicked me out you came out and grabbed me and invited me in. That moment will be one of the coolest car moments of my life and really cemented in my mind how cool of a person you are. You are just one of the most genuine people I think I’ve ever met. Since then I’ve seen lucky at Summits car show in McDonough GA then went back to my hotel that night (because I was traveling for work) (which my work had nothing to do with Power Tour) and there he is at my hotel with his truck parked right out front under the canopy). Super greatful to have met you!

[@whatta7793]

Oh wow, thanks for sharing that. Sounds like an awesome story just from that short bit. Glad you found the Cutlass, and not just finding it, but finding it in that manner/story as well. That's double the cool factor lol

[@brandonwalters9437]

Covid didn’t go crazy. People in positions of power went crazy.

[@vincedibona4687]

How was it like 2018? In what ways???

[@weeumh2]

​@@vincedibona4687he never said it was like 2018.

[@hejmuesli]

A 30 minute talk-to-camera-no-wrenching episode, and I did not feel cheated at all. Thanks for sharing the story, Tony. Work-life balance is really important. I'm really happy for you and the other stay tuners that the channel is working out so well and that you are able to - as I've commented before - to churn out such high quality content.

[@FlatBedLife717]

schill episode, pointless. You have been duped!!!

[@ChrisHessert]

That was gracious: you didn't owe an explanation to anyone. Another reason I love this channel: your honesty and personal courage. Wishing you and your family the very best of health and happiness!

[@matt_queso]

15:30 You benchpressing that trans back into the Blasphemi is the greatest moment of Motortrend TV, any show. Not only was it just cool AF, real guts and grit kinda moment.

[@mattkiwi]

Hi Tony, hearing about your daughter bought me to tears as I know what you have been through. In 2018 having just turned 4 my daughter was diagnosed with Bone cancer. After a whole year in hospital, multiple surgeries, and a spinal fusion I thank the lord everyday that she is still with us. She is my warrior princess. Family First! Much love to your daughter and the rest of your family from New Zealand.

[@jackperry9369]

Prayers for healing for your daughter sir believe God's in control ❤

[@Ahelm12]

Prayers for your sweet warrior princess! I have a 10 year old daughter myself, and I cannot imagine what it was like seeing your baby girl go through that. Stay strong!

[@Sonny_V]

HRG with You & Lucky was Lightning in a Bottle. My Favorite Car-Show Ever

[@danmyers9372]

100%. They had a uniquely chemistry for sure. I’m thinking Lucky must miss it. He and Alex flat just don’t seem to jell. Alex seems to be trying too hard to be someone or something that she just isn’t.

[@MrStacy1974]

I'm warming up to Alex , but I wasn"t sure at first. Her and Lucky have the niece and crazy uncle vibe going on that's kinda fun to watch.

[@blomie9548]

Haven't watched an episode of hrg since Tony left

[@DM-wp9vq]

You guys obviously have zero idea how to read people's mannerisms. They're getting along very well, and have stated as much. She's more like his little sister, or a granddaughter dynamic if anything.

[@mightymikethebear]

@@MrStacy1974 I can see the crazy uncle dynamic too. Alex is representing the younger generation of hot rodders.

[@ckthompson7928]

When I watch Tony and Lucky ..... I feel like I'm in MY shop at home... Pure comedy and badassery... I'm glad you're still kicking em out for us to watch.

[@rorynewton1228]

"WE'RE GONNA LOSE THE SHOP!!!" Never gets old.

[@eggbertreviews1477]

I say it constantly in my everyday life

[@stephenmidkiff]

Being a father is your ultimate job and you did that! Respect...

[@AtZero138]

Not a single wasted second,, Best Job Ever!!.. Cheers from Orange County California...

[@User0000000000000004]

Did he? Proof?

[@RumblesBettr]

Oprah says being a mom is the ultimate job. Cant be both!!!

[@999torino]

Sorry to hear of your personal troubles. I didn't quite know what to make of you at first, but by the time you and Finn won Drag Week I had decided that you were truly the real deal. I wish you success in the future.

[@brooziebee9507]

From a single dad of 15 years, mine are 17 & 19 today, you're killing it. Keep up the good work. I love your content, Power Kraut especially.

[@nesbittiain]

Single dads unite my dude. 15 and 18 over here. You are the man.

[@AaronHardinPhoto]

Tony, its been a blast to watch you grow as an on camera talent. Your charisma and humor compliment the wrenching skills. Thanks for making great shows for us to enjoy!

[@StayTunedTA]

I appreciate that! Really, a lot! I'll keep making them if you keep watching.

[@bowlkiller1975]

I'm so glad your daughter is doing well! I have become disabled with health problems and watching videos made by down to earth good people gives me a welcome distraction from the hell my life has become. I'm truly thankful for people like you and I wish you all the success and happiness. I would enjoy seeing more driving content. Drift EVERYTHING lol

[@SouthernMotorwerks]

Awesome...Fridays aren't complete at our house without some stay tuned! My son and I love ur show bro🤙

[@StayTunedTA]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@GrandPitoVic]

If you hadn't made that call before heading home, most of us wouldn't know who you are. That would have sucked. I'm glad you did. Years of awesome content. Thank you

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Crazy how life turns on a dime...

[@enriquemartinez435]

I love how you've always been open and honest. Just a genuine dude that is a gear head.

[@pigasus_1]

Because we're family- Dominic Toretto

[@StayTunedTA]

Damn straight!

[@HeadingEast33]

We're building relationships this week.@@DocHolliday3841

[@pigasus_1]

@@StayTunedTA I feel like you addressed this in an early video. Guess as new people come in they can't be bothered to go back to those videos when it was just you.

[@97rspsctt]

Hope the best for you and your family bro

[@wp5177]

Love stay turned. An I'm a even bigger fan now knowing you chose to put your family first

[@roywhitman7109]

WOW!! When Mike Finnegan did this same type of video to explain to his fans why he left MotorTrend, I commented to him the same thing I'm going to comment to you. FAMILY FIRST❣️ I sincerely respect you both for your choices. I'm retired now & my former work partner has a teen son that went through a liver transplant that is also autistic. I kept thinking how he & his wife were able to keep it together with this young man going through all of this medical trauma! But, everything has been working out, such as your family is by the grace of God! You & Lucky were like peanut butter & jelly together. I had suspicions there was something unseen happening for you to leave. Thank you for sharing with us! Best of luck to you & yours!!

[@nestr2007]

Mike was with motortrend too?

[@whiskeytangofoxtrotover9651]

Mike didn't leave Motortrend.

[@deathcab4booty]

Mike left Faster with Finnegan to be with his kids and David Newbern stepped down from Finnegan's KZbin channel to also be with his kids

[@roywhitman7109]

@@whiskeytangofoxtrotover9651 NO, he left Faster with Finnegan. Newbern & Cotton took his place. You'll find his explanation on KZbin, also.

[@roywhitman7109]

@@deathcab4booty Correct.

[@BigKrisMorris]

I know you from the drifting days but knowing your story of how you came to be on the show is awesome. Putting in that work lol

[@ryandunn5362]

Tony is the best! I took a dream job AFTER getting divorced. Six years later, traveling 2-3 weeks a month... I left and moved back to Idaho, 2.5 miles from my kids. Probably the best choice I ever made. Don't lose the Shop! : )

[@RuSrsbro]

Your kids will look back and appreciate your sacrifices to be a good father. Nothing but respect for you Tony, some things are just more important

[@larrynelson6656]

Really sorry to hear about all your troubles. I don't know how you you did that show under the circumstances. May God bless you your health and your family.

[@SSThomas84]

Regardless of why, it doesn't change who YOU are! Glad you're back HOME and seem to be enjoying life MUCH more man! Cheers!

[@StayTunedTA]

I really really am stoked to be here.

[@SSThomas84]

@@StayTunedTA you GOTTA save Lucky from Cali. You 2 together were flippin' GOLD! That's prolly the biggest part of HRG that I miss. Although, Alex is GREAT and adds a new fun twist to the show too.

[@SSThomas84]

@@StayTunedTA unfortunately, due to the VERY strange warm weather we've been getting in Wisconsin, the Merrill Ice Drags have been canceled this year... urgg!

[@NFSgadzooks]

​@@SSThomas84the mention of the Merrill Ice Drags just makes me think of the time a buddy of mine lost the brakes in his Mustang and got some air over the snow pile out there!

[@SSThomas84]

@@NFSgadzooks #MustangThings…. 😂 Gittyup tho! Yikes!

[@bradmathisen]

This has to be my favorite channel now, please try to keep it the three of you working in the garage together on reasonable priced builds.

[@77marioland]

You're a good guy, never thought for a moment there was a problem with the job, figured it was personal.

[@jaybrown4246]

What an absolute humble, unselfish and empathetic human being !! You give a first hand account on what having an open mind and willingness to do whatever it takes to learn, craft and enjoy your passion - while having a blast doing it !! You raised the bar on how integrity is practiced ! Not once during your explanation did you complain about anything or anyone. Will you succeed in whatever you do- that's a given, but to put your homelife first and be the best dad you can, speaks volumes !! Congrats on remaining teachable ! Besides, Alex Taylor is very hot in my eyes and don't even know what she's saying or building when she's on the show 😂 ( I kid ) Godspeed Tony !

[@whereswardo_6368]

He’s just another guy having a human experience, may god bless us all

[@Boatralph]

God Bless you and your Family, My son also had a liver transplant so I know where you are coming from. Stay well ! Family First !!

[@lucassarchet6712]

I think Alex and Lucky are great together. I miss the old show but life doesn't care about your plans. I know this all too well. I absolutely love your channel and all the guys involved. Keep up the good work, and keep being an amazing Dad!

[@PartialRug]

Alex and Lucky are terrible together. She definitely knows alot about cars but she is a bit dry. Also, Lucky went from a funny guy to a simp for Alex and it's painful to watch. I cancelled my subscription because of that show alone lol

[@jono6379]

​@@PartialRughrg has got better in the second season. They were a bit awkward together at first because it felt like they didn't really know each other but they seem to work well together now. Motortrend has slipped a lot since the heydays with dirt every day and other shows getting canned but I hope they will bounce back.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@PartialRug It's a 60 min show that drags out 20 mins at best of content.

[@PartialRug]

@jono6379 I watched 5 min of a recent episode at a friend's house and had him turn it off because the simping is still going strong. He also noticed it after I pointed it out. Him and I both hung out with Lucky at SEMA in 2019 and know he isn't like that all the time. Plus Alex seems like the kind of person who wouldn't laugh at a dirty joke and only does missionary lol

[@PartialRug]

@digitaldoc100 it wasn't always like that but I agree it's definitely that now.

[@SolamenteVees]

Thank you for being so transparent and sharing some pretty intimate details. Nothing but respect, Tony.

[@TheBoosterp]

Tony, you are a true to the saying "keep it classy." Thank you for the video explanation and while I'm sorry this affected your marriage it makes me happy you can spend time with your kiddos. You're a rock star and I'm glad I stumbled upon this channel.

[@jordanknute2029]

Hey man, full support Tony. I had a dream job playing in a band, touring all over the world, doing exactly what I thought I was put on this planet to do. Had 1 kiddo I missed most of her childhood, went through a divorce, bunch of other heavy stuff requiring me to be close to home, then kiddo 2 came along and I had to make a choice as a man. Be selfish and keep doing my dream while my kids lost opportunities and lost time with their dad, ask my wife to essentially be a soldiers wife, or compromise with myself and take 1/3rd or maybe 40% of my dream away so that 4 other humans I care about most in this world could flourish. Choice was hard at the time but looking back, it's almost shameful to me that the choice was hard to me at that time. I was raised where if you commit to create life, you commit to that life and raising that life. Period. I commend you for doing what you did. There are a lot of guys still that don't have that in them. I never thought conspiracies, I figured it was family related. End of the day, HRG is still decent but we also get an extra thing with your channel. That's a solid net win for us enthusiasts not to sound overly pragmatic

[@CarsCatAliens]

3 most important things in life... 1) family and loved ones 2) Your Health 3) Time. when we lose any of these , we never can get them back.. Cherish them

[@arielatom03]

Solution: dont have kids

[@richardprice5978]

@@arielatom03 sounds like wife ( not sure about the behind-set but she wouldn't have pressed the nukes buttons if she wasn't being selfish/unloyal to tony and her kid's as sometimes as a husband you're forced into working and or golden handcuffs like the gig Tony had of okay paying and somewhat stability-ect job but flying ect as a downside to it ) or court or both = Basically getting fired or forced to quit, yep knowledge 1st handed and also going from working to my first 100k-net-worth to homelessness/poverty's at 25yo~ ect and 5+ more years of drudgery and hoping i can restore my lifestyle and then upgrading from there

[@RTLEE1]

I’m glad to hear your daughter is doing well ! Most of us miss you on HRG ,but your family is more important ! I hope that you were able to make a full recover! Love the new platform and staying tuned in!

[@merylpelosi1704]

You'll never regret putting your family and health first. I have even more respect for you now. I'm truly sorry for the price you've had to pay. Best of luck to you and yours.

[@Dan-o7p]

HRG kept me going through the pandemic and inspired my friend and I to restore a V8 Jeep CJ-5 in my suburban garage. I really appreciate all the work you put into that show. Thanks for sharing more of the story!

[@StayTunedTA]

That is awesome! thanks for watching!

[@roby14]

Happy to see you and your daughter are healthy. Love the show.

[@rjfscorpio711]

Family first, always. You did what you had to do. A real stand up guy. A good job doesn't kill you.

[@randalltufts3321]

Its called life. It happens. I'm here for the duration. Keep doing you. It'll be fine. You'll never lose the shop, or us

[@ChrisHamilton-cv6vz]

I wish you absolutely all the best to your children and you! I cannot imagine seeing my children sick. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors

[@eddiejeselink2996]

Life is hard, I'm glad you happy now. I'm retired Army and I was so rapped up in those stupid wars I lost my whole family. I'm proud of you. Thanks. I did and still love HRG.

[@Endraven_Prime]

You did not have to step up in front of the camera and tell this story to your fans but you did. Thank you for keeping it very real and caring enough to fill us in. I wish you and your family all the good health and happiness in the world. You have a fan for life.

[@clumsysmurf8109]

This episode really highlights what I like(d) about the MotorTrend core programs. I am happy to hear that it was all really drama free, and that my view is not yet an illusion that you guys genuinely like and respect each other. The shows have always been about the cars, not manufactured drama. I hope this stuff maintains popularity and success.

[@Chris_Bumpus]

Much respect tony, as a father of 2 little girls I understand how hard it is to balance work and home life as a hot rodder. Keep up the channel for all us little guys that don't have the unlimited budgets! Love the show and the vibe!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I had read about your daughter, but hadn't heard about the accident in the Desert and very sorry to hear about the seperation from your wife. The stresses of a sick child, twins, immense pressure on even the strongest of marriages. I was hoping your favorite was TwinPala, what an effort you guys put into that one! I remember the first episode of HRG you were on, I thought you looked like a L.A. Gangster!

[@samrotheray5805]

Tony, do not apologize. Life happens. You are a great person. With a hell of a gift. I'm working on my 51 Pontiac Chieftain. But your inspiration from the past is going into it. God bless you man. Take care.

[@StayTunedTA]

I appreciate that!

[@samrotheray5805]

I appreciate your response. I've been watching and following as much as my time allows. I have identical twin girls as well. My wife and I had 2 kids and went for a 3rd. Lol. Got 2. Life is crazy. But a blessing. Keep it up man.

[@samrotheray5805]

@StayTunedTA . Just a offer. If you're ever in Wisconsin and want a place to thrash on a build? I've got 50 acres and a 75 gmc that is up for a challenge. Lol. God bless you and your family.

[@sethcormier8134]

I think you found your real place to be on youtube. The scripted quick snippets of builds on tv don’t do justice to your ability. Keep up the great work!

[@greggcrannage740]

As a Jersey guy that can see Pennsylvania across the River and a father of a son that needed care, I’m so thankful we have CHOP in Philly to care for our kids. I love what you do. My son and I have bonded over your old and new show for years. Thanks for keeping us in the garage.

[@ll4133]

Always wondered why the departure from HRG. Thanks for explaining and thank you for your time on HRG! It was because of your budget builds that I realized my quest for an affordable 67 Nova was totally unrealistic on my income. I'm 70 yrs. old, a mechanic, and decided to follow your lead to start my own project. I found a nice affordable stock 98 Camaro SS that I've been maintaining and modifying since last July. I get as much joy working on it as I do driving it! Still watch past episodes for your and Lucky's tips and tricks. Good luck with your family and new endeavors! I'll be watching "Stay Tuned" for sure!

[@assaultlick2169]

You and lucky had great chemistry and it made HRG awesome. Edit : hearing about what your family went through was heavy duty, man. Stoked to hear she's doing well now, Tony. God bless

[@terrencebourisaw4073]

As the father of a BA child I feel your struggles😢, my daughter is ten years post transplant and is absolutely amazing. I hope yours continues to to thrive, keep the episodes coming. You guys are doing great!

[@gasperooch]

I have to admit I was not a fan when Tony took over on HRG, but he slowly won me over and now hearing this story I have immense respect for him. Liked and subscribed!

[@joew7897]

I didn't know who you were until you were on HRG. Have followed everything you've done since. You have a natural talent for it, and your enthusiasm is always great and realistic. Your impact goes further than cars as well. Thanks for everything you have done, and I'm looking forward to everything you will do.

[@ArthurSperotto]

The Drag Week special is also one of my all time favorites. I've watched it a couple times... still raises the hair on my back. All the best to your daughter, Tony, did not expect this episode to get this deep. Much love, brother!

[@ItWillRun73]

Thank you for giving us the behind the scenes story(ies). And, it's great to hear that your Daughter is healthy.

[@youhaveamonkey]

Tony. From one dad to another: My hat is off to you. Family comes first. Much love to you and your family!

[@bat5917]

Tony you are a true car guy. Car guys are born, not made. It’s very gracious of you to share details of your life with us. A couple of times I was feeling a little emotional and then there was a cut away/edit about the same time. Sharing those memories must have been difficult for you. Balancing a career and raising a family can certainly be at odds. Hearing you tell your story just reinforces who we think we know on screen. Thanks for letting us hang out with you and your team. Best regards 👍

[@DericO-rz3be]

WOW TONY... SORRY FOR ALL THE DIFFICULT CHALLENGES WITH FAMILY HEALTH... MAJOR RESPECT FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO YOUR FAMILY...

[@theglitch99]

Family 1st ALWAYS!!! SMART MAN! Great story, thanx for sharing!

[@briankabell9317]

I hope that taking the time to get this off your chest and setting the record straight pays you back 10K fold. You’ve endeared yourself deeply to those of us who were just casually familiar with you before. - your character and integrity is awe inspiring.

[@theempireofrust]

As a former mechanic for Westen Champlin, I can say for sure Alex Taylor was an absolutely polite and friendly young lady when we raced her on both occasions, Lucky and her are a pretty good duo on the show! And keep doing what your doing Tony!

[@WatchmakerErik]

Tony, you are not just a great host and a great hot rodder, but you make the kind of content I really love and you've shown yourself to be a great dad and a true man of integrity. I'm very happy to be one of your fans.

[@jimmyjckjones]

Being a father is by far more important than any job. Showing your children they come first.. will set them up for what to expect for their future. Good man. I wish the best for your family my dude. Much respect.

[@richardkaiser2687]

Tony, you are awesome and you were very entertaining and informative. But it always has to be family first. I’m proud of you for being a dad first. Good for you and I’m glad you make it work.

[@curtissmith5924]

And this is why Stay Tuned is quickly shooting up to be one of my favorite channels! Thanks for keeping it real 😀

[@GeorgeMcNally]

Tony.....I'm a 64 year old geezer. All I can tell you is that family is everything. Take care of your family and everything else will fall into line.

[@GidDree]

Please don't say Geezer.,..jeez, I'm 65😢

[@greenfuzz13]

Except when they are garbage.

[@DeltaSierra426]

^ My father taught me that a true measure of a man's wealth is his family. I'm a father of two today and couldn't agree more. Always loved Tony in HRG and it's still my favorite era of the show, but him talking about his kids and being so happy that he has that right work-life balance that he's been chasing... man it just made my day. :) Not a lot of folks that became as famous/popular as he did given the momentum of the show would have done this. More than too many broken homes and families in showbiz.

[@robertlippens9013]

Bro your awesome! Being a Dad is the best thing that can happen man. the fact you realize that makes you a great man!! Good luck my friend. I will "stay tuned!!!"

[@nickfonder3441]

Twinpala was an awesome idea, loved it. Lucky isn’t the same funny with Alex as he was with you, you guys were awesome together

[@robfox5892]

Makes no difference to me where you work my dude. As long as you are happy and having fun, I'm happy to watch. Keep waking up determined, and going to bed satisfied! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@blt3479]

Thanks Tony for sharing. You're the Real Deal, and no one ever regrets doing the right thing. You are a great dad.

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

In life family MUST be #1! I was at the peak of my career, had an offer out on the east coast in FL doing work in the space industry. But my parents were aging and I needed to be here for them. So I stayed in MN, spent their final years with them which is priceless, and ended up doing the same work via remote... sure I missed out on seeing launches in person but I was doing the job I loved, got to live the MN outdoor life with my parents(both fished and hunted), and I did not miss out on their final moments because I was on a flight or stuck in an airport because of canceled flights.

[@Martin750hp]

Wow very noble of you, I have a true respect for anyone that had parents they love that much! God bless you.....

[@rickdee67]

HUGE respect Tony! I’m a transplant recipient also . Mad respect for being there for your kiddos! You definitely made HRG cool AF! Thank God yer lil girl is doing well and praying for you and her !

[@joshgessinger4509]

Hey tony been a fan for a while now had no idea about ur personal life. Ur a great man for chosen family over career. My favorite moment of ur career is when u benched pressed the transmission into Blasthemi. I laughed so hard very impressive to say the least. Good luck with ur future adventures. God bless ur family and strong amazing little girl.

[@MichaelBrewer]

@StayTunedTA I always took you at face value when you said it was to be with family, and it was! As a dad (of 4 girls!), my heartstrings were tugged, but I am happy to hear everything is trending up. Loved HRG with you; love it with Alex. Lucky is like my hot rod TV grandpa. And I love Stay Tuned! Killer show.

[@TheGinger15765]

You and Lucky were like, so perfect together. Hotrod felt very dated on some shows and this spoke to a younger generation in my opinion. Im 29 and loved the builds you did. I question GM’s 4.2 inline6 all the time and seeing you mess with it was awesome.

[@HogshooterHotrods]

It has been awesome to see you grow through the years, I grew up on Hot Rod magazine and always try to keep up. I knew you had some serious skills as far as mechanical aptitude keep going at it and having fun!!

[@1963impala2drWaylonWire]

the most important job you will ever have is "being a dad" good on ya man... keep em coming! big fan here

[@baggedhemi]

Psh no brainer brother. You made the right move. Your participation in all that extra work (never knew that about you) made you the performer we are all thankful is providing free content to his fans. Keep it up dude!

[@StayTunedTA]

Right on, thanks for watching! I will keep it up!

[@mickthurston9883]

I was saddened to hear about your daughters health issues. The stress it added to your relationship the same. Great to hear your life balance is fantastically improved. A pizza team with a racing problem. Wicked

[@7HeadsCustoms]

Tony, I’ve said this before about you and your show. You are us, you are ME, you are the normal guy, with the normal family shit. You are giving us hope that it’s possible to live through it all and still love cars. You’re doing more for us normal guys than you may know. Please, just keep being you and we’ll keep watching. My family used to live in Allentown, brother still does, totally dig the PA vibes!! Thank you!!

[@christopherwaszczyk3870]

Thanks for sharing. Appreciate for including us in your personal life. Got a new channel fan!

[@raakeshpersaud2577]

Glad that you are doing your own thing on YT

[@ltsgarage7898]

Tony . It’s really nice to see someone come out and just tell us what’s up. I am glad to hear about how your daughter is doing, that’s great news. As far as your fatherly responsibilities are concerned. You’ve got my vote son. After listening to what has been going on in your life. You’re a fine father and role model for those 3 girls…. Good luck with the future. Great job thus far…

[@HaveMercyMotors]

Staying REAL with Tony. Nice work spreading the stoke!

[@josephotchy766]

Toni, glad you cleared this up. Miss you a lot. Gad you're doing well,and your daughter is great. Will subscribe to your channel. I'm 75 years old, and love what you do with a vehicle. BE BLESSED.

[@BigBurly68]

Tony, your reason for leaving HRG is legit. Family IS the most important thing of all. I didn't know that you had a major health issue either! Wow! You've come through a lot, and are a great man! I've enjoyed your growth as a person and host of HRG and Stay Tuned. All of my best wishes go to you and yours!

[@johngrundy7197]

Tony, this episode was a great change of pace. You’ve been through a lot brother and I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re all proud of you and what you’ve accomplished. Hope to meet you one day dawggg 🫡

[@GilliamSiblings]

As someone who is dealing with liver issues I can relate and my heart goes out to you and your family. Just heard about your show on here so now I got something to watch while I’m in the hospital.

[@sreduos]

Cool video, glad the algorithm brought me here. I boycotted HRG when you left. I was running thin on content and decided I missed Lucky, Alex won me over on that first episode. You’re right, it isn’t the same, it’s different but she is clearly an awesome mechanic and host. Now I’ve binged through HRG and am back to notifications with it. And now I get to dive deeper into this channel. All is right in my digital world.

[@tpetry1303]

I honestly didn't know a lot of what you told us. You're doing this best thing for your kids and I can't blame you. I know what it's like to have a child with medical issues. My wife left me 3 years before we found out my son had a brain tumor when he was 9. I put my life on hold and never left the hospital until he could come home. Rehab, radiation , and chemo I was there. He is now almost 17 and doing great. Being a dad is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. So I totally understand on your decision. I always loved watching you and lucky together. Once you left and Steve Mags left I stopped subscribing to MT.

[@twiztedsquid94]

Tony ,we have to be there for our little people. As a single father of 2 I now have legitimate respect for you brother. I am thankful that you made the decision yourself!

[@StayTunedTA]

Yes, there's nothing like being a dad, and trying to be the best one you can be is a righteous pursuit. Appreciate you.

[@Sellarmusic]

I had no idea where you went Tony but I'm glad to get the straight story from you. You and Lucky did have a pretty funny thing going but the show is still great with Alex. I'm a subscriber as of today and need to get started watching all your back content. Sounds like you've been through a lot. Glad to hear that you and your family are doing better.

[@lowhpgt500]

I loved hot rod garage with you and lucky but your channel has more than made up for it! Keep up the fantastic work

[@klegends2939]

I will follow you where you go brother

[@mustangnotch]

Miss you on T.V., glad I found you on this channel. looking forward to the completion of the mustang. Oh yeah thanks to you and Lucky I went out and shopped for months finally found the right 2003 mustang GT for me and will be doing a coyote swap. My wife is mad at you two.

[@sct100]

I’m proud of you, Tony. I made a similar decision many, many years ago to stay in a job that allowed me to be involved in my kids’ lives rather than to take a more lucrative job offer that would pull me away a lot. Best decision in my life. No regrets. You also handled the show with absolute class. More power to you. I always respected you but my level of respect is now through the roof.

[@Mrelectric423]

I made a similar decision when my kids were little. They are in college now. I am 100% it was the right choice. People I know who focused on money above all else seem lost.