Jalopnik, Motor1.com, The Drive, The Autopian, Yahoo Autos|4 minute read

The End of an Era: Roadkill Bids Farewell After 13 Wild Seasons

Grab your tissues, gearheads! It’s time to say goodbye to Roadkill, the madcap automotive web show that has had us laughing, cringing, and occasionally shouting at our screens for the past 13 seasons. Co-hosts David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan have given us the kind of shenanigans that make you question the sanity of car enthusiasts everywhere. And now, they’re taking their last bow as news breaks that MotorTrend has decided to end the show. Let’s dig into what made Roadkill a fan favorite and why its departure leaves a gaping hole in our automotive hearts.

From Garage Heroes to Internet Legends

When Roadkill first roared onto our screens, it was nothing more than two pals wrenching on cars, road-tripping across the country, and generally causing chaos. Freiburger and Finnegan were like the punk rock band of the automotive world—unpolished, unapologetic, and willing to take big risks. They didn’t just build cars; they built a community of enthusiasts who lived for the thrill of the ride.

The show’s charm lay in its rawness. Forget the slick production of other automotive shows; this was gritty, real, and occasionally downright ridiculous. Whether they were resurrecting a rustbucket or blowing up a perfectly good engine, you could feel the passion—and often the pain—in every episode. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t wanted to set fire to their car at least once?

Why Roadkill Stands Out

Sure, there are a plethora of car shows out there, but Roadkill carved its own niche with a blend of humor, chaos, and a sprinkle of insanity. Where else could you see a classic muscle car transformed into a ridiculous, fire-breathing monster or hear Finnegan lament about the latest mishap while Freiburger cackles in the background? It was like a buddy comedy, only with more oil and fewer punchlines.

As reported by Jalopnik, the decision to end the production of Roadkill didn’t come lightly. After wrapping up its 13th season, the hosts confirmed that there would be no 14th. Fans took to social media channels like Reddit, where Finnegan himself broke the news, leaving many in disbelief and mourning.

A Love Letter to the Fans

Let’s face it: Roadkill wasn’t just a show; it was a lifestyle. It was the kind of program that inspired viewers to roll up their sleeves, dig into their own projects, and maybe even blow up a few engines in the process. The chemistry between Freiburger and Finnegan was electric, a genuine friendship that made us feel like we were part of their crazy family.

Over the years, they’ve tackled everything from budget builds to insane road trips that pushed the limits of both their cars and their sanity. Remember the time they tried to build a car with a budget of just $300? Or that episode where they raced a lawn mower against a classic muscle car? Genius, or madness? You decide.

The Road Ahead for Freiburger and Finnegan

So what’s next for these two automotive rock stars? While Roadkill might be parked for good, it’s unlikely that Freiburger and Finnegan will fade into obscurity. These guys have a knack for getting into trouble and whipping up excitement wherever they go. Expect to see them pop up in new projects, because let’s be real—this dynamic duo isn’t done yet.

As we bid farewell to Roadkill, let’s remember the laughter, the lessons, and the sheer absurdity that made it special. While we may never recover from the void it leaves, we can take solace in the fact that these two legends will likely continue to shake things up in the automotive world.

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