Show Notes
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
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