Ep 1. Rally Time

In "Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman" season 2 episode 1 titled "Rally Time," viewers are taken on a wild ride as the former Gas Monkey Garage employee and car enthusiast Aaron Kaufman embarks on a new adventure. This episode sets the tone for what's in store for the rest of the season, showcasing the incredible and awe-inspiring projects that Kaufman has taken on.

The episode begins with Aaron Kaufman revealing his latest project: a rally car build for the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb. For those who don't know, Pike's Peak is a treacherous mountain located in Colorado with a summit rising over 14,000 feet. The Hill Climb is an annual motorsport event where vehicles race up the mountain, facing sheer drops, cliff edges, and tight turns. Kaufman has only seven weeks to build a car that is both fast and can handle the difficult terrain.

To complete the project, Kaufman has enlisted the help of several skilled friends. The first is a suspension expert named Chris Porter, who explains how they are going to make the car handle better. The next expert is Jeff Ellsworth, who has built engines for Pike's Peak before, who will be helping to build the engine. Finally, they meet up with a rally driving instructor named Tim O'Neil, who will be giving them some tips on how to drive the car.

As the car build progresses, we see the team working long hours, dealing with unforeseen setbacks, and pushing themselves to the limit to get the car done in time. We also get a glimpse into the personalities of all the people involved, including the charismatic Kaufman, who seems to be in his element as he puts his skills to the test.

Once the car is finally finished, Kaufman takes it on a test drive to see how it handles. Right away, it's apparent that the car is a beast, with a whopping 800 horsepower and custom suspension that makes it an absolute joy to drive. Kaufman puts it through its paces, drifting and racing the car through the dirt, before taking it to a formal rally course to test its capabilities in a racing scenario. It's a heart-racing experience for both the team and the viewers, as we see Kaufman take on the course with all of his impressive driving skills.

The episode ends with Kaufman revealing that they still have a lot of work to do to prepare for Pike's Peak, including putting the finishing touches on the car and training for the race. It's a testament to Kaufman's determination and passion that he is willing to take on such a massive challenge in such a short span of time.

Overall, "Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman" season 2 episode 1 is an exciting and thrilling ride that highlights the amazing work of the crew as they take on the daunting task of building a rally car fit for Pike's Peak. Anyone who loves cars, racing, or adventure is sure to be hooked by this exhilarating episode.