Advertise on podcast: Clutch Burners Podcast

Jeff Sias, better known as the Champ, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to dominate Drag Week in a naturally aspirated stick-shift car. If you think a heavy Ford with no boost and a manual transmission can’t be brutallyconsistent, this conversation will change your mind fast. BangShift Billy and Canadian Chuck Norris, Rich Guido, dig into the exact combination behind Jeff’s repeated wins, from the small-block Ford’s Cleveland/Higgins head combo to theclutch, shock, tire, and launch strategy that turned a “trash” street car into a repeatable race-week weapon. The result is a deep look at how Jeff keeps going rounds while defending the Stick Shift Shootout trophy again and again. 00:00 Welcome and introduce Jeff “The Champ”00:52 The Stick Shift Shootout trophy and its winners06:10 Jeff’s 2025 and 2026 shootout wins08:29 Jeff’s naturally aspirated small-block Ford setup12:59 Drag Week classes, rules, and tech inspection14:45 Horsepower, cylinder heads, and high-RPM power17:24 E85, nitro experiments, and fuel-system challenges25:35 Engine internals, camshaft, and valvetrain reliability40:41 Highway cruising RPM and fuel mileage43:28 Dialing in the clutch, shocks, and launch consistency52:42 Switching from slicks to radial tires56:04 Shock sensors and suspension data58:55 Why stick-shift cars can run consistently61:00 Patient tuning and learning the car65:12 Eight-mile performance and heads-up racing goals67:25 Future plans: keep it naturally aspirated or add power?70:19 When not to freshen a reliable engine71:44 Family racing plans and Jeff’s son’s new go-kart74:06 Crankcase vacuum, oil pressure, and oil choice81:03 Other Drag Week-style events and travel limits84:23 Close competition and racing strategy86:11 Stick Shift Shootout lessons and round-by-round pressure90:03 The hosts’ recent racing mishaps90:48 Reaction times and launching a stick-shift car92:52 Trackside fire scare and racing safety96:45 Broken transmissions and Rich’s next car project98:27 Wrapping up and promoting the show100:16 The trophy, future competition, and final goodbyes

In this episode, BangShift Billy, Bill Armstrong and The Canadian Chuck Norris, Rich Guido dive into the details of organizing and participating in the Wisconsin Outlaw Stick Shift Challenge, exploring race strategies, technical challenges, and the passion behind stick shift racing. 00:00 Introduction to the Wisconsin Outlaw Stick Shift Challenge 01:54 Race turnout and event atmosphere 04:08 Series collaboration with Wisconsin Outlaw series 08:07 Car count and future commitments 11:58 Technical issues faced during the event 20:14 Safety and driver safety measures 29:47 Event promotion and social media strategy 39:59 Race class splits and rules 49:47 Predictions and future records 57:57 Community and camaraderie in racing

This episode follows the Clutch Burners crew as they break down Brett Lasala’s switch from automatic to stick shift and what that means for the car, the crew, and the tuning approach. Blayne Stark joins the conversation with real-time updates from the shop, including clutch setup changes, suspension tweaks, data logging, and the plan for Wisconsin. We discuss the learning curve of a clutch car, how the team is adapting between rounds, and why the Blue Mustang project is turning into a major second build for drag and drive competition. 00:00 - Intro, Brett’s last minute thrash, and tonight’s guest Blaine Stark 01:24 - Brett’s clutch service and the stripped stud problem 02:07 - Late night testing prep and help from Derek Santiago and PMR Racing 03:20 - Six lever clutch basics and the primary versus secondary lever design 04:47 - Reworking the clutch pedal and cross shaft geometry 06:05 - How they stage the car and build boost before the hit 07:13 - What primary and secondary clutch levers actually do 09:39 - How small the clutch wear changes are between rounds 11:05 - Service access through the bellhousing and titanium hardware details 11:37 - Brett’s excitement after the first stick shift video and first runs 13:06 - Coyote engine setup, Fast Forward block, and head temp concerns 13:54 - More setup work with a stick car versus the old automatic combination 15:11 - Weight savings from ditching the converter setup and extra ballast 16:48 - How Blaine got tied into Brett’s team and now travels to races 18:06 - What their between-round routine looks like with the clutch car 19:14 - Data acquisition, clutch temp sensing, and what they monitor 20:48 - Suspension changes and why the setup was softened a bit 22:53 - Tire choice, 60 foot progress, and the first 1.16 launch 24:06 - Wisconsin testing plans and the goal of gathering more data 25:26 - Why the Foxbody platform and stock suspension style make sense 26:36 - The Blue Mustang build, back half changes, and bigger tire clearance 28:57 - Getting ready for Drag Week and why they’re going even without an entry 31:28 - The wagon engine failure, chassis dyno testing, and oiling problem 33:01 - The wrong ring pack and the fix that got the engine back together 34:33 - What class the wagon might run and why it doesn’t fit neatly anywhere 35:44 - Why Drag Week is the missing sticker on the windshield for them 36:11 - Gear changes, rear gear tuning, and moving from 4400 to 5700 two-step 37:11 - Trying to get the clutch to stay locked sooner with a small motor 38:57 - Building the Blue Mustang for stick shift drag and drive competition 40:10 - The stick shift trend catching on and other fast cars in the class 41:53 - Tom’s Pontiac swap idea and the weird transaxle history of the Le Mans 47:43 - Plan for Wisconsin, testing opportunities, and possibly getting laps in 49:27 - Wagon performance, 60 foots, and what the engine hurt run looked like 51:00 - Why radios helped their racing routine and reduced chaos 53:13 - FuelTech versus Holley discussion for the Blue Mustang 54:28 - The old engine failure, detonation, and what got damaged 57:08 - Aluminum rods, weight change, and clutch behavior from reduced mass 58:33 - Tire pressure, track reading, and using a track meter 60:44 - Clutch setup differences between the Defiant and Ace style clutches 62:31 - How much they are slipping the clutch and why the RPM band matters 64:38 - The balance between slipping enough and locking up too early 66:22 - Predictions for Wisconsin, the crew’s confidence, and closing thoughts 69:15 - Precision Parts, Blaine’s Therapy, and where to find the team online

From chassis design to race strategies, Jason shares expert tips on building high-performance cars and navigating the competitive world of drag and drive events. Jason's background and transition from corporate to performance fabrication The evolution of stick shift drag racing and recent growth trends Details of Wisconsin's big stick shift race on September 11-12, including field sizes and rules Building and repairing high-end drag cars, including Josh Maddie’s and Vlad’s wreck recoveries The importance of chassis setup, including four-link designs and mini tubs Popular rear-end components, shocks, and drivetrain choices for stick shift cars The significance of data acquisition and teamwork in modern racing success Innovations like slider transmission adapters and upcoming secret projects Cost estimates for full race car builds and considerations for weight reduction The future of stick shift racing and how different classes and rules shape the sport 00:00 - Welcome to Clutch Burners: Introducing the episode’s focus 00:30 - Jason Harvey’s background and shift from corporate to fabrication 02:00 - Wisconsin stick shift race overview and significant event details 03:15 - Key drivers, cars, and prepping for race day 04:30 - Building and repairing high-end race cars, including Josh Maddie’s project 06:00 - How chassis design impacts performance, including mini tubs and four-links 07:45 - Favorite rear-end components and suspension setups 09:30 - The role of data acquisition and collaboration among racers 11:00 - Innovations like slide-out transmissions and custom parts 13:00 - Cost and timeframes for building competitive cars 14:30 - The importance of supporting local fabricators and parts suppliers 16:00 - The potential of street-style drag and drive classes and fun race formats 17:30 - Strategies for weight reduction without sacrificing comfort 19:00 - The influence of technology and data on race outcomes 20:45 - Rebuilding and repairing damaged cars after wrecks 23:00 - Race prep and NHRA safety rules for Wisconsin 24:30 - Car tuning, tire selection, and the differences between radial and slicks 27:00 - Innovative transmission setups, including Liberty and T56 Magnum options 29:00 - Building a budget-friendly stick shift racer for fun and competition 31:00 - The culture of collaboration and mutual support among racers 33:00 - The evolution of clutch, transmission, and chassis tech in the sport 36:00 - Jason's advice for newcomers and amateurs in drag racing 38:00 - The long-term vision for the future of stick shift racing 40:00 - Rapid-fire questions: First car owned, biggest technological change, and personal influences 43:00 - How teamwork, data, and passion drive success in stick shift drag racing 45:00 - Wrap-up: Support for the sport, upcoming events, and social media shoutouts

Tinzy Smith, the 'Mother of Clutches,' sharing her extensive knowledge of clutch technology, manufacturing, and tuning in drag racing. From her start in muscle cars to working with elite teams, she reveals insights into clutch design, materials, and the science behind optimal performance. In this in-depth interview, expert Tinzy Smith shares her insights on clutch technology, racing strategies, and the evolution of drag racing. Discover practical tips, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories from her journey in the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clutch Technology and Guests 01:19 Tinzy Smith: The Journey to Becoming the Mother of Clutches 03:01 Understanding Clutch Technology: Past and Present 05:00 The Evolution of Adjustable Clutches 06:22 The Importance of Clutch Setup and Variables 08:49 Manufacturing Clutch Discs: The Process Explained 10:55 The Clutch Manufacturing Landscape in the U.S. 13:04 OEM vs. Racing Clutches: A Historical Perspective 14:23 Comparing Clutch Compounds: 5135 vs. 5190 15:59 Exploring Multi-Disc Clutch Setups 17:11 The Science of Clutch Floaters and Heat Management 18:42 Advanced Clutch Technology in Top Fuel Racing 20:38 Data Acquisition and Clutch Performance 22:36 The Role of Clutch Controllers in Racing 24:09 Tire Technology and Its Impact on Performance 25:28 The Importance of Chassis Setup in Racing 26:47 Impact of COVID on Manufacturing and Supply Chains 28:18 Clutch and Gear Adjustments in Pro Stock Racing 32:37 The Science of Tires in Drag Racing 35:13 Clutch Setup for Drag and Drive Cars 40:22 Adjustable Clutch Designs and Their Applications 45:57 Clutch Dynamics: Balancing Pressure and Performance 52:28 Exploring Clutch Technology Innovations 54:46 Efficiency in Maintenance and Adjustments 58:06 The Art of Transmission Handling 01:00:41 Maximizing Efficiency in Pro Stock Racing 01:02:44 Dealing with Heat in Racing 01:05:44 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations 01:14:01 Vlog Youtube Outro.mp4

Billy and Rich share their recent racing experiences, technical insights on clutch and turbo setups, and memorable moments from their events. They discuss tuning challenges, race strategies, and the camaraderie of the drag racing community. Join us as we dive into the world of drag racing, car modifications, and race event stories with Canadian Chuck Norris and BangShift Billy. Chapters00:00Introduction and Technical Difficulties01:11Recap of Recent Events03:08Rocky Mountain Race Week Experience05:59Performance Insights and Challenges08:57Clutch Setup and Adjustments12:13Learning Curve with Adjustable Clutch15:01Race Strategies and Competitor Insights18:04Personal Bests and Future Plans21:09Community and Support in Racing24:05Final Thoughts and Reflections31:18Unexpected Repairs and Resourcefulness34:52Surreal Moments on the Road36:00Preparation for Racing Events37:47Streetcar Bragging Rights and Border Wars51:06Racing Strategies and Technical Insights01:00:58Race Day Challenges and Data Logging01:03:07Final Race and Performance Insights01:06:06Post-Race Reflections and Oil Pressure Issues01:12:13Technical Troubleshooting and Solutions01:15:16Future Racing Plans and Community Engagement01:25:31Vlog Youtube Outro.mp4

Join us as we delve into the world of high-performance drag racing with experts from Ram Clutches. Discover the intricacies of clutch technology, engine setups, and racing strategies that push the limits of speed and power. This episode features expert insights on clutch tuning, data analysis, and racing strategies from top professionals in the drag racing industry. Learn how data management and mechanical understanding can optimize performance and win races.

Join Bill Armstrong, BangShift Billy and Rich Guido, The Canadian Chuck Norris in this lively podcast episode as they pay tribute to Chuck Norris, share their latest racing updates, and discuss upcoming events, car upgrades, and the legendary status of Chuck Norris through humorous anecdotes. Tribute to Chuck NorrisUpcoming racing events and tripsCar upgrades and modificationsQualifying and class split strategiesTire and turbo recommendationsHeat management and safety gearQualifying strategiesClass split methodsCar upgrade prioritizationChuck Norris Tribute and Racing Season UpdateTop 10 Car Upgrades for Drag Racing Success"He can divide by zero.""Chuck Norris out."Streetcar Bragging RightsBig Sky Race Weekhttps://www.youtube.com/@thebangshiftbilly https://www.youtube.com/@Canadianchucknorris69

In this episode, Joel Grannas shares his journey from racing to manufacturing custom transmission bell housings, his innovative engineering solutions, and insights into high-performance racing technology. Discover how he developed his own gear sets, the challenges of racing with high horsepower, and tips for durability and performance.

Join us as Ethan Vander Velden shares his wild experiences from Sick Week, including a near-accident with a tractor, YouTube journey, and racing insights. Discover practical tips on car tuning, troubleshooting, and the thrill of drag racing adventures.

In this episode of the Clutch Burners podcast, hosts Bill Armstrong, BangShift Billy and Canadian Chuck Norris welcome Jon Rogers, co-owner of Import Drag Solutions and a notable figure in the stick shift drag racing community. Jon shares his journey from using a Nissan SR20 engine to transitioning to a 2JZ and ultimately to the VK56 engine in his Nissan 240SX. He discusses the challenges he faced with reliability and performance, particularly with head gaskets, and how he found success with the VK56 platform, which he describes as more reliable than the 2JZ at high power levels. The conversation dives deep into the technical aspects of Jon's car, including engine specifications, turbo setups, and the intricacies of drag racing with a stick shift. In this episode, Jon, Canadian Chuck Norris, and Bill Armstrong dive deep into the intricacies of drag racing, focusing on the technical aspects of tuning and maintaining high-performance vehicles. They discuss the differences between fuel types, such as C16 and methanol, and the implications of each on performance and maintenance. Jon shares his experiences with clutch tuning, oil maintenance, and the importance of consistency in racing. The conversation also touches on the evolution of automotive technology, particularly the advancements in ECU systems that have revolutionized performance tuning. Throughout the discussion, the camaraderie and competitive spirit among racers shine through, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the drag racing community.

In this episode of the Clutch Burners podcast, host Bill Armstrong and co-host Canadian Chuck Norris welcome Doug Cook, founder of Motion, to discuss his journey in the automotive industry, the growth of his business, and the importance of passion in racing. They explore Doug's experiences with partnerships, the significance of YouTube content creation, and predictions for upcoming racing events like Sick Week. The conversation also touches on the balance between family life and business, as well as future innovations in racing parts. In this conversation, Doug Cook discusses the intricacies of brake systems, the importance of brake pressure, and innovations in performance parts. He shares insights on the challenges faced in high-performance racing, the evolution of drag racing parts, and the significance of customer feedback in product development. Doug also emphasizes the direct-to-consumer business model and the impact of technology on racing. Personal anecdotes about his experiences in racing and the importance of building a strong team are highlighted throughout the discussion.

In this episode of the Clutch Burners podcast, hosts Bill Armstrong and Canadian Chuck Norris engage with Bruce Couture, the founder of Modern Driveline, to discuss the intricacies of stick shift drag racing and the evolution of transmission technology. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of drivetrain components, the evolution of Modern Driveline, and the various transmission options available for performance cars. Bruce shares insights on clutch systems, hydraulic conversions, and unique transmission swaps, while also addressing customer experiences and the future of transmission technology. In this conversation, Bill Armstrong and Bruce Couture delve into the intricacies of automotive performance, focusing on transmission innovations, hydraulic systems, and the importance of precise engineering in racing. They discuss the evolution of components like bellhousings and hydraulic systems, emphasizing the need for alignment and reliability in high-performance applications. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of installation and the shift towards hydraulic systems in modern vehicles, highlighting the significance of consistency in stick shift racing. The episode concludes with insights into the future of performance racing and the offerings of Modern Driveline.

We talk with valvetrain expert Aaron White about his Street and Yeet FoxBody build. Your hosts Bill Armstrong and Rich Guido are veteran drag-n-drive stick shift racers. Together they make up a wealth of stick shift street car knowledge. They've competed Drag Week, Rocky Mountain Race Week, Sick Week, Midwest Drags, Miles of Mayhem, Street Car Takeover, and many more.Support Clutch Burners and Stick Shift Nation by grabbing some merch here: https://www.stickracing.com/

In this episode of the Clutch Burners podcast, hosts BangShift Billy and Canadian Chuck Norris welcome Rob Warrick, a machinist at Richard Childress Racing and a passionate drag racer. The conversation covers Rob's journey in the racing world, his experiences with drag and drive events, and the challenges he faces with his 1995 Camaro, which features a 6-liter LS twin turbo setup. The discussion delves into the intricacies of car modifications, the importance of weight reduction, fuel systems, and the technical aspects of racing. Rob shares valuable insights from his experiences on the track, including the lessons learned from various challenges and the excitement of competing in drag racing events. In this engaging conversation, Rob Warrick shares his experiences and insights from the world of drag racing, particularly focusing on stick shift racing. He discusses the importance of community support, performance tuning, and the challenges faced during races. The conversation also delves into specific techniques for starting line management, boost control, and the significance of adjustable clutches in enhancing performance. Rob reflects on his journey in racing, the camaraderie among racers, and his aspirations for future events.