In this exhilarating episode of the Hidden Horsepower Podcast, hosts Keith Jones and Joe Castello sit down with newly crowned NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock World Champion John DeFlorian fresh off his thrilling victory at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis. The high-octane conversation dives into John’s championship journey, his standout performance, and the grit behind his success. Joined by legendary engine builder Jon Kaase and Total Seal’s Matt Hartford, the episode takes an exciting turn as both guests surprise John with heartfelt congratulations, sharing insights on the engineering and teamwork that powered his win. Tune in for an unforgettable blend of technical expertise, racing passion, and championship celebration!

Ever wondered how a tiny VW engine can conquer the brutal sands of the Baja 1000? In this adrenaline-fueled episode 92 of Hidden Horsepower by Total Seal Piston Rings, engine-building legend Jorge Jimenez from Jimenez Racing spills the beans on crafting unbeatable VW powerplants that race—and WIN—in the world's toughest off-road battles! Join Total Seal's own Ben O'Conner and host Joe Castello as they dive deep into the art of ring seal mastery, Jorge's wild career secrets, and the insider tricks that turn stock VW bugs into desert beasts capable of surviving 1,000 miles of punishing terrain. From piston ring innovations that keep engines screaming under extreme heat to the high-stakes stories of Baja glory, this is your front-row seat to the horsepower hidden in every rev! Whether you're a gearhead obsessed with off-road racing, a VW enthusiast chasing that next build, or just love epic tales of engineering triumph, you WON'T want to miss this! Hit play now and get ready to rev up your knowledge. Timestamps:0:00 Intro: Welcome to the Desert Wars

Subscribe for more Hidden Horsepower episodes packed with pro tips, tech breakdowns, and racing legends! Drop a like if you're team VW, comment your dream Baja build, and share with your pit crew. #Baja1000 #VWRacing #EngineBuilding #TotalSeal #OffRoadRacing #HiddenHorsepower

In this high-octane episode, Hidden Horsepower welcomes Dr. Bryan Fleck, head engineer at KB Titan Racing Engines, as the NHRA Pro Stock team gears up for the 2025 Cornwell Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. Hosts Keith Jones and Joe Castello sit down with Bryan for an in-depth look at the technology fueling Pro Stock performance. Bryan shares his fascinating career journey—from fine-tuning GP motorcycles to engineering for NASCAR’s Hendrick Motorsports, and now pushing the limits in NHRA Pro Stock. He breaks down critical engine-building details, like the art of ring seal and the pursuit of perfect roundness, that make or break a race. Plus, Bryan offers inspiring advice for aspiring engineers looking to break into motorsports. Whether you’re a racer, a tech enthusiast, or a future innovator, this episode is packed with insights that rev up your passion for horsepower!

In this high-octane episode of Total Seal’s Hidden Horsepower podcast, hosts Keith Jones, Scott Diehl, and Joe Castello sit down with David Ward, the mastermind behind High Performance Lubricants, LLC, and a true guru in the world of high-performance lubricants for racing. As the key principal of High Performance Lubricants, David shares his fascinating origin story, detailing how his passion for precision and performance fueled the creation of a company renowned for its top-tier lubricants for industrial equipment, vehicles, and, most notably, the high-stakes world of motorsports. From the racetracks to the lab, David reveals the secrets behind formulating lubricants that power champions, including his own racing endeavors as a driver and promoter with the 2025 Midwest Pavement Midgets. Learn how High Performance Lubricants, based in Manteno, Illinois, crafts cutting-edge products for racing teams and industrial applications, including honing oil. With their deep-rooted sponsorships in racing events and partnerships with top-tier teams, including Total Seal's own NHRA Pro Stock team, David’s insights offer a masterclass in blending innovation with speed. Tune in for a dynamic conversation packed with technical expertise, racing anecdotes, and the story of a company that’s lubricating the path to victory, both on and off the track!

Hidden Horsepower: Remembering Ed Pink

In this special tribute episode of Hidden Horsepower, hosts Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales for Total Seal Piston Rings, and Joe Castello welcome Frank Honsowetz, former President and General Manager of Ed Pink Racing Engines, to reflect on the extraordinary life and legacy of legendary engine builder Ed Pink. Honsowetz, who collaborated closely with Pink on the Infinity IRL Indy Car program in the late 1990s, shares intimate stories and insights into Pink’s innovative genius, relentless pursuit of performance, and profound impact on motorsports. Titled Remembering Ed Pink, this episode celebrates the man whose engines powered champions and redefined racing, offering listeners a heartfelt look at his enduring influence through the eyes of those who knew him best.

"Join engine building legend and racer Mike Moran, alongside hosts Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales at Total Seal, and Joe Castello, for Total Seal Hidden Horsepower—a must-watch YouTube series and podcast for performance enthusiasts. Dive deep into the world of high-performance engine building as Mike shares decades of hard-earned expertise. With Keith’s technical mastery and Joe’s engaging commentary, each episode uncovers the secrets to unlocking hidden horsepower, from piston ring technology to race-proven strategies. Whether you’re a gearhead, racer, or engine builder, this show delivers the knowledge and inspiration to take your builds to the next level."

Mark Pawuk, Ben Strader, and Darin Morgan stop by the Total Seal booth at PRI 2024. Mark Pawuk is a first time world champion in the NHRA Flex Jet Factory Stock Showdown. Mark discusses his engine builder David Barton and his long road to become champion. Ben Strader tuned for world champion Greg Stanfield in NHRA Factory X, and has great stories from the season, and Darin Morgan puts the Sox and Martin HEMI Challenge world on notice with his latest build at BES.

Pat Musi, Greg and Aaron Stanfield, and Gary Stinnett all swing by the Total Seal booth at PRI 2024. Each guest has something of great interest for hosts Lake and Joe.

Greg Anderson, PRI President Mike Good, and 16 year old phenom London Zapzalka are the first guests in the Total Seal booth at PRI 2024. Greg Anderson recaps his 6th championship season in NHRA Pro Stock, PRI President Mike Good discusses the health of the industry, and 16 year old London Zapzalka talks about 3D printing a running internal combustion engine. The Performance Racing Industry trade show is a yearly tradition!

Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales, answers the most common questions for Total Seal customers.

What ring is right for my application?

What should the end gap be set at?

What cylinder finish do I need?

What kind of oil should I use?

Can you run gas ports with gapless rings?

and more..