On Being a Mechanic, A TV Host, and a Football Fan

It never occurred to me the day that I got the news. His name is Kevin and he's the head honcho at the 2 great TV stations you all enjoy watching; channel 13 and channel 31. He's also a really good guy.

The call came just after 1:00 pm on an unremarkable Tuesday afternoon in May.

"Doug, it's Kevin".

"Uh...hi Mr. Walsh".

"Yea…ok…call me Kevin. Look, your new show is a go. We are going to put it on right after Good Day Sacramento on Sundays. People love Good Day. A lot of people watch. They may want to watch you too. You have a month to get your show ready".

I leaned back in my chair, stunned. I had waited for this call for twenty years. O.K., that's a lie. I had waited for this call all my life.

"Thank you, Kevin. Thank you so much".

"You're welcome. And Doug…." He said.

"Yes?"

"Don't screw it up", he said as he roared with laughter.

Thus began the best summer of my life. We created The Car Czar Show in my kitchen. I'm not kidding. Adam Silber, my executive producer and me had countless meetings over bad pizza and  stale beer trying desperately  to invent a show you would like and would want to watch.

And then in late June of this year, we launched our new show. People watched. We made some mistakes…had some rough shows, but every week I feel more comfortable, more connected with you; my friends, my audience.

So, here's the problem: remember Kevin's statement back in May? Remember when he told me what day the show would be on? Well it all seemed good then, but one day earlier this month it happened. The acronym I never thought about that strikes fear into any guy who hosts a show late on a Sunday morning was about to change everything:

 The N.F.L.

 Ouch.

My little half hour attempt at informing and entertaining people automotively   was now going to go head to head with football.  The biggest sport in America. And week one of the season I was terrified. I was sure no one would call in with a question. I was convinced not one person would post a query on Facebook. I was certain not a soul would watch. Even my kids would be watching the "niners", I thought.

But I was wrong. Way wrong.

You, A LOT of you,  ARE watching. You are posting, and you are calling in. And I thank you. And I honor you.

And while my forward pass may be pathetic, and I am sure I will continue with my fair share of live "fumbles", I will continue to be at your service. At the ready week after week, no matter the season, no matter what sport may be on some other station. I will be here for you every Sunday at 10:00am.

Simply, I will be ready to help you always.

And that's because mechanics like me never have an off season. And neither does your car.

 Doug Brauner is the Owner/Operator of The Car Czar Auto Repair Shops in Sacramento and Citrus Heights, CA. He also is the host of THE CAR CZAR SHOW seen on CW31 every Sunday at 10:00am. Doug is also the writer and senior auto journalist for the show DRIVE, airing on Discovery Networks. COUPONS for FREE auto repair and service can be found at www.thecarczar.com and on facebook.com/thecarczar. Doug also loves football but strongly encourages DVRing the game in order to watch The Car Czar.