--- title: "The Drivecast Ep. 2: Behind the Scenes of The Drive Awards 2026" date: "2026-02-06" modified: "2026-02-06" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/podcast/the-drivecast-ep-2-behind-the-scenes-of-the-drive-awards-2026" categories: - "News" - "Podcasts" --- # The Drivecast Ep. 2: Behind the Scenes of The Drive Awards 2026 ![The Drivecast hero]() *\Adam Ismail\* Told you we'd be back. For the second episode of *The Drivecast,* our new weekly podcast, we're taking you inside [The Drive Awards 2026](), from what they are and how we make it all happen, to the nominees and winners themselves. Hot out the gate just a week after [launching *The Drivecast*]() comes this special episode where Kyle and I are joined by *The Drive's* entire editorial team round-robin style to talk about our process for each category. Conceptually, it sounded like a great idea. Kyle warned me it would be a lot of work. I brushed him off. Lesson learned, but no regrets. The Drive Awards—or the Slashies as Kyle calls them, even though no one else does—is the capstone each year to our hands-on reviews of new cars. Each year the team drives hundreds of models to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and whether they deliver on marketing promises in the real world. You can always read the full stories for each category right here on The Drive, but isn't it more fun to listen? See for yourself: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PSC5aBQpRUJXS4UqNkRmT *The Drivecase* is free, just like just like [Spyglass–*The Drive*'s spy shot newsletter]()—because everyone should be an insider, and is available on both [Spotify]() and [Apple Podcasts](). You can also listen to episodes right here on *The Drive* via the embed above. All podcast episodes will live on the site and can be accessed via the Podcasts tab in the homepage menu bar. Give episode 2 a listen, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform of choice, and if you dig it, leave us a five star review. It really does help get *The Drivecast* in front of more people. Also, feedback is always welcome by dropping us a line at *feedback@thedrive.com*. We really do read every single email, promise. ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()