Matt Smith, 5X NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, discusses his Suzuki and V-Twin engine programs. Keith Jones and Joe Castello ask Matt about his road to becoming his own engine builder, the difference between the two styles of engines, and his thoughts on how much power comes from honing and ring seal. Matt has great advice for the next generation of engine builders.

Matt Smith E57 Total Seal Piston Rings

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!



Bryan Fleck of KB Titan Racing E91 Total Seal Piston Rings

Keith Dorton from Automotive Specialists Racing Engines in Concord, NC stops by Hidden Horsepower to reveal a few secrets from his illustrious career. Total Seal's Keith Jones and host Joe Castello try to keep up with Keith as he discusses many of his experiments within engine building. This is an instant classic.

Keith Dorton - E7 - Total Seal Piston Rings

Mark Cronquist, Joe Gibbs Racing's head engine builder, and Lake Speed Jr. join Joe Castello on Hidden Horsepower. Mark talks about the design of the JD-1 engine, named after J.D. Gibbs, the drive to stay at the top in NASCAR, experiments that didn't work, oil analysis, and the evolution of racing engine technology. Mark even tells a story about when Jason Line worked at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Mark Cronquist and Lake Speed Jr. E10 Total Seal Piston Rings

Ron Shaver joins Lake Speed Jr. and Joe Castello for a conversation about how a California surf kid, became one of the most influential engine builders in Sprint Car racing. Ron and Lake exchange dyno room war stories and discuss the non-stop technology evolution in engine building.

Ron Shaver and Lake Speed Jr. E11 Total Seal Piston Rings

Ed Pink, The Old Master, is our guest on Hidden Horsepower. Ed discusses his life, his career, his most famous projects, and what has kept driving him over his vast career. Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales at Total Seal, and host Joe Castello are stand in awe of the career of Ed Pink. This is a must listen.

Hidden Horsepower

Ed Pink E12 Total Seal Piston Rings

Karting legend, Lynn Haddock, tells his amazing life story. This episode is loaded with lessons that are extremely valuable.  Lake Speed Jr. and Joe Castello dive into the story of how two Americans, Lynn and Lake's dad, Lake Speed went to Europe and won the 1978 World Karting Championship over a field that included Ayrton Senna.

Lynn Haddock E21 Total Seal Piston Rings

Keith Jones from Total Seal Piston Rings and host Joe Castello interview the world's most knowledgeable engine builders. Technology, tips, and information about how to tackle challenges when building high performance engines and finding that "Hidden Horsepower".

Bryan Fleck of KB Titan Racing E91 Total Seal Piston Rings

Hidden Horsepower

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