NASCAR Star Ryan Newman Makes a Deal with Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz on American Pickers, Season 2, Episode 1 Premiere

American Pickers, Season 2, Episode 1 premiered on the The History Channel Monday Night and saw Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz make a deal with NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. Wolfe and Fritz drive a van around America that says "Antique Archeology" which they use to store their buys in (that fit). Season 2, Episode 1 of American Pickers saw the treasure hunting take place in North Carolina, where the low picking prices for treasure didn't come so easily. This History Channel program lets viewers see numerous items that have been a part of American history while meeting some unique characters.

Mike Wolfe Goes Crazy over an Old Bowlus Trailer on American Pickers, Season 2, Episode 1

The duo are heading to the Carolinas in the van because the weather's a bit cold in Iowa. In North Carolina, a lead comes from Danielle for a bunch of old cars in a five acre junk yard that's "supervised" by Pippen and his twin brother on behalf of their grandfather. Frank Fritz finds many Gulf Oil horseshoes and some old oil cans (picked for $35, valued at $300). After some back and forth negotiating, the "No-Nox" gas pump was picked for $200 (valued at $450) and a 1950 Studebaker "Bullet Nose" was picked for $2,200, plus $700 to ship to Iowa) which especially thrilled Mike Wolfe. The History Channel stars also snatched up railroad lantern shades (picked for $25, valued at $240) and a Pepsi menu sign (picked for $50, valued at $100).

Danielle was charged with finding a Studebaker expert. The expert came by and called it "pretty complete" and a "solid car", and valued the relic at $3,200-$3,500 on Season 2, Episode 1 of American Pickers.

NASCAR Star Ryan Newman Makes a Deal on a Phillips 66 Sign on American Pickers, Season 2, Episode 1

Later, the American Pickers run into another property full of classic junk, including lots of signage, but the man selling it is a dealer, too, and won't let them buy too low. Mike Wolfe got "hot and bothered" for an Bowlus (Airstream) trailer on American Pickers, Season 2, Episode 1, and asked for the "crazy number" price, which he got from the dealer Mike: $75,000 for it, which stymied Wolfe (no sale). Among other things, the duo did manage to get a 1930s tricycle for $25 (valued at $35) but lost $5 on a VW toy without wheels (picked for $5, valued at $0).

Next, Charles allowed the American Pickers to go through his vast amount of goodies. Frank Fritz found a 1950s battery-operated tin car (picked for $50, valued at $100), and went back and forth with the owner over a circa 1930s scooter bike, and finally got it for $125 (valued at $200). But the main item of interest picked from the friendly man was a large Phillips 66 porcelain sign for $280. Frank Fritz called NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and set up a meeting at Newman's shop, which is on a big spread of land. The 2008 Daytona 500 champ traded the sign for an Alltel racing suit, though a bit later, a graphic said the sign sold at $500. Fritz and Wolfe were also treated to viewing the driver's car collection, including a "Sanford and Son" Ford pick up.

Source for this article about Season 2, Episode 1 of this History Channel program:

"Art of the Deal", American Pickers, June 7, 2010, The History Channel