Rutledge Wood serves as a reporter for NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR coverage. He contributes reports on enthusiastic fans, unique towns and storied raceways that make NASCAR so special. He made his debut with NBC Sports Group as a reporter during the 2016 Olympic Games and then came back for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Rutledge Wood had his first experience in NASCAR during his first job traveling the NASCAR circuit. Then he was hired by SPEED, where he worked for 10 seasons. Rutledge Wood was one of 3 Top Gear USA hosts on the History channel. In every episode, the host and a secret driver tested vehicles, and celebrities participated in interviews.
In 2015, he began hosting another TV show called Lost in Transmission. He drove around Atlanta and fixed up classic vehicles. He said he could live through these cars. Here are 15 stunning pics from Rutledge Wood's car collection.
15 The 1970 Dodge Charger
Rutledge Wood says he's been chasing the 1970 Dodge Charger for a long time. The car features the forest green interior and an original 383 engine under the hood, as well as factory-made drum brakes and suspension. This is the car driven by Kyle Petty all over Level Cross, North Carolina.
14 1953 Plymouth Suburban Wagon
Rutledge Wood partnered up with Summit Racing and Kenwood Rod Shop to modify his 1953 Plymouth Suburban Wagon. It has a 408 cubic inch small-block Chrysler engine under the hood. Other changes include a Vintage Air climate control, custom Magnaflow exhaust and new interior materials. He got the car from Mr. Richard Petty.
13 1949 Chevrolet 3100 Thriftmaster
The 1949 Chevrolet 3100 Thriftmaster was featured in one of Rutledge Wood's TV shows, Lost in Transmission. According to him, "This truck holds a special place in my heart, but it was built especially for my wife Rachel! You seriously cannot go wrong with anything from this Advance-Design era of Chevrolet."
12 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS
This 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS is one of two cars built for Rutledge Wood's friend, Tanner Foust. Then he let his fans decide what Summit Racing tuners would do with the car. The fans picked TMI Houndstooth seats, new custom Forgeline GZ3 wheels and a Heidt’s 4-link rear end.
11 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Ute
The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Ute was featured on the TV Show Lost in Transmission. Rutledge Wood says that "the aluminum bed panels and fiberglass body parts are engineered to go together without welding in a weekend or two, the Smyth Jetta/Golf truck conversion fills the need for stylish light pickups."
10 1966 VW Double Cab Pickup
This 1966 VW Double Cab Pickup was one of the first classic vehicles that Rutledge Wood bought. He traded his old 1970 Datsun Rat Rod Pickup and some cash for it. The car still has the factory canopy rack. Other things, including a 1776cc engine, Empi wheels and Bus transmission, are new.
9 2016 TRD PRO Toyota Tundra
The 2016 TRD PRO Toyota Tundra was the first Tundra equipped with TRD Performance parts. The car features a Wilwood big brake kit, Magnuson Supercharger and TRD Forged 22-inch wheels. Then Rutledge Wood went to Toyota and asked for a Kicker sound system, MagnaFlow exhaust, General Grabber tires and a bunch of other goodies.
8 2014 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 1794 Edition
This is how Toyota describes this car, "the 1794 Edition CrewMax adds luxurious refinement to the legendary toughness of Tundra. While the exterior commands respect, the interior rewards, no matter the length of your journey. Whether the road is paved or unpaved, the 1794 Edition CrewMax is equipped to take it on."
7 2005 Scion XB 2JZ
The Scion XB 2JZ is a rear-wheel drive monster. This model was built by DTA/Rogue Status and then competed in a Gumball 3000 rally. It was further tuned by the pros at Papadakis Racing. The car is now in Florida at Enjuku Racing. Rutledge Wood promises to post upgrades on the process.
6 1983 Honda Civic Wagon
Rutledge Wood took the running 1983 Honda Civic Wagon and fitted it with an Acura Integra LS motor. He's spent a lot of time building and driving the car. He says that it's like combining the engine power from Honda's golden age of the 90s with the classic styling of the 80s.
5 2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Rutledge Wood says the 2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax is big enough for him, his wife and their 3 little children. He fitted the truck with Hankook DynoPro ATM tires, which is one of his friend's sponsors. He used to give the truck a 10, but then he got the Ford Raptor.
4 1970 Datsun 521
Rutledge Wood loves classic Japanese cars that are inexpensive but fun to modify. He says that "I like cars that have character, and it definitely was one of those. It's a four-speed little 1600cc motor. I'd say it tops out at 65. You can go faster but it sounds like it's going to blow up."
3 1954 Chevrolet Pickup Truck
The 1954 Chevrolet Pickup Truck was Rutledge Wood's first car. Right after school, he started a business and saved up money to buy the truck. He said it would drive, but it was the smokiest car he's ever owned. He had to spend a lot of time figuring out what was wrong with it.
2 1992 VW Cabriolet
When Rutledge Wood was younger, he used to love his VW Cabriolet. It was powered by a 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine that delivered 94 hp. It was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Speaking of comfort features, it had an AM/FM/cassette player, full wheel covers, power steering, power windows and power brakes.
1 2004 Subaru WRX STI
Rutledge Wood says that the 2004 Subaru WRX STI is one of his all-time favorites. He got this car from a friend in Chicago and then drove it back home. He says the car is a fast, all-wheel drive turbo. He hopes to get another Subaru sometime in the future.