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 Norris
• Upcoming racing events and trips
• Car upgrades and modifications
• Qualifying and class split strategies
• Tire and turbo recommendations
• Heat management and safety gear

• Qualifying strategies
• Class split methods
• Car upgrade prioritization

• Chuck Norris Tribute and Racing Season Update
• Top 10 Car Upgrades for Drag Racing Success

• "He can divide by zero."

• "Chuck Norris out."

• Streetcar Bragging Rights
• Big Sky Race Week
• https://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.