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

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.

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[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.

[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.

[edgaramaury]

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.

[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!

[AZisk]

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

[sixpots]

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

[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.

[gregmayled]

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

[paulgudedeberitz]

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

[Jonperrego]

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

[JFdotMUSIAL]

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

[jareknowak]

The camera lens was dirty.
Welcome back.

[spkyaction]

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.

[Miata]

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.

[Cheseabluesdrogba]

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.

[yashwin]

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

[lunamatic]

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.

[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.

[LamboFreakLP]

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!

[vinceteo]

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.