GHiT 0746: Mark Petronis is Back
About this episode
Mark Petronis returns to share his inspiring journey of recovery and fitness transformation following a serious accident. After years of surgeries and therapy, Mark discusses his progress in regaining strength and mobility, particularly in his right hand. He details how he combined medical support with lifestyle changes, including a GLP-1 medication, to lose weight and improve his overall health. The conversation touches on the importance of consistency, discipline, and the mental aspects of fitness, making it relatable for anyone looking to make a change.
GHiT 0746: Mark Petronis is Back
Mark Petronis comes back on the podcast to talk about his recent fitness improvements and how it may be able to help you on our off season fitness special episode of 2026. And we talk racing Corvettes to try to stay on brand, lol.
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A link to the episode is: https://tinyurl.com/MarkPetronis746
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carbon fiber
"...you know saving 25 pounds in the race car through carbon carbons very expensive and..."
Carbon fiber is a special material that is very light and strong. It's used in race cars to make them lighter, which helps them go faster and handle better.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material often used in automotive applications to reduce weight and improve performance. In racing, every pound saved can enhance speed and handling.
Chevrolet Corvette
"so speaking of knowledge that you have Miss Vicki's got this small version of the Corvette right behind her"
The Corvette is a famous sports car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being fast and having a unique design, making it very popular among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and distinctive styling. It's often regarded as an American icon in the sports car segment.
Mazda Miata
"it's fine so but since she's got a small Miata I thought we'd talk a little bit about the larger..."
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"right so Miata is not always the answer because sometimes Corvette's the answer"
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. It's known for being affordable and is loved by many car fans.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It's often celebrated for its affordability and is a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
Chevrolet C8
"...how fast C8 has caught on like when the C7 came out..."
The Chevrolet C8 is the latest version of the Corvette sports car, known for its new engine placement in the middle of the car, which improves handling and speed.
The Chevrolet C8 refers to the eighth generation of the Corvette, which features a mid-engine layout and significant advancements in performance and technology compared to its predecessor, the C7.
radiator
"...it used to be you had to do radiators and you had to do oil coolers and diff coolers..."
A radiator is a part of the car that keeps the engine cool. It helps prevent the engine from getting too hot while you drive.
A radiator is a crucial component of a car's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine coolant. It helps maintain the engine's optimal operating temperature and prevents overheating.
oil cooler
"...you had to do radiators and you had to do oil coolers and diff coolers..."
An oil cooler is a part that keeps the oil in the engine from getting too hot. This helps the engine run better and last longer.
An oil cooler is a component that helps regulate the temperature of the engine oil. By keeping the oil cool, it ensures better lubrication and reduces the risk of engine wear.
differential cooler
"...you had to do radiators and you had to do oil coolers and diff coolers..."
A differential cooler helps keep a part of the car that helps the wheels turn from getting too hot. It's important for cars that do a lot of heavy work or fast driving.
A differential cooler is designed to keep the differential, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels, at a safe operating temperature. This is especially important in high-performance or towing applications.
factory cooling
"...what the car can do factory cooling wise I did so I added a radiator but you really don't need to add much..."
Factory cooling is the cooling system that is built into a car when it's made. It's meant to keep the engine from getting too hot while driving normally.
Factory cooling refers to the cooling systems that come standard with a vehicle from the manufacturer. These systems are designed to maintain optimal engine temperatures under normal driving conditions.
horsepower
"...makes like 40 more horsepower than mine does because he sent me his dyno graph..."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go and the better it can accelerate.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which directly affects a car's performance.
dyno graph
"...because he sent me his dyno graph but he's also a monster driver..."
A dyno graph shows how powerful an engine is at different speeds. It helps car enthusiasts see how well an engine performs.
A dyno graph is a visual representation of an engine's performance, showing metrics like horsepower and torque at various RPMs. It's produced using a dynamometer, which measures the engine's output under controlled conditions.
VIR
"...did like a 155 at VIR on Supercar..."
VIR is a racetrack in Virginia where cars can be driven fast in a controlled environment. It's a popular spot for racing and testing car performance.
VIR, or Virginia International Raceway, is a popular road course in the United States known for its challenging layout and diverse elevation changes. It hosts various racing events and is a favorite among car enthusiasts for track days.
Watkins Glen
"...under two minutes and either Watkins Glen or VR that's a crazy number to do it..."
Watkins Glen is another famous racetrack in New York where cars race. It's known for being challenging and exciting for drivers.
Watkins Glen is a renowned road course located in New York, famous for hosting the Watkins Glen International races. It's known for its combination of fast straights and technical turns, making it a challenging track for drivers.
suspension
"the one thing I told the guy like what you will need to do is change out the the eccentrics for the suspension they have the same thing that that Vicky has"
The suspension is the part of the car that helps keep the ride smooth by absorbing bumps in the road. It connects the car's body to the wheels.
The suspension system of a vehicle connects the body to the wheels, allowing for a smooth ride and better handling by absorbing shocks from the road.
eccentrics
"the one thing I told the guy like what you will need to do is change out the the eccentrics for the suspension they have the same thing that that Vicky has"
Eccentrics are parts of the car's suspension that help adjust how the wheels are positioned. This adjustment can improve how the car drives and how long the tires last.
Eccentrics in suspension systems are components that allow for adjustments in the alignment of the wheels. They can change the camber or toe angles, which affect handling and tire wear.
camber kit
"...I didn't plan on making the camber kit for this car as fast as we ended up doing because I thought it was going to be robust enough that they weren't going to move on track but they absolutely do now..."
A camber kit helps change the angle of the wheels so they can grip the road better when turning. This can make the car handle better during races or on tracks.
A camber kit is an aftermarket suspension component that allows for the adjustment of the camber angle of the wheels. This adjustment can improve tire contact with the road during cornering, enhancing grip and handling performance.
grip
"...they make so much grip now and they're heavy enough by the way the cars are..."
Grip is how well the tires stick to the road. More grip means the car can go faster around corners without sliding.
Grip refers to the friction between the tires and the road surface, which affects a car's ability to accelerate, brake, and corner. Higher grip allows for better performance and stability during driving.
3700 pounds
"...by the time you hit the track so this is a lot of force so..."
3700 pounds is how much the car weighs. The weight of a car affects how it drives and handles on the road or track.
This refers to the weight of the car, which can significantly impact its performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. Heavier cars may have more stability but can also be less agile.
torque wrench
"...just didn't work the thing like a hit with an impact wrench but didn't actually use a torque wrench so generally..."
A torque wrench is a special tool that helps you tighten bolts to the right tightness. It's important because if bolts are too loose or too tight, it can cause problems.
A torque wrench is a tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener, such as a nut or bolt. This ensures that the fastener is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications, which is critical for safety and performance.
toe
"...so is your toe right so it's on your steering wheels all off too..."
Toe is how the wheels point compared to the center of the car. If the front of the wheels is closer together than the back, that's toe-in; if the back is closer, that's toe-out. This can change how the car drives and how quickly the tires wear out.
Toe refers to the angle at which the wheels are aligned in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. If the front of the wheels is closer together than the back, it's called toe-in; if the back is closer, it's called toe-out, affecting steering response and tire wear.
Honda Civic
"so it was fun though we had a good time uh Civic's one of those things you gotta cross off the list even though once you go there you're like"
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being dependable and getting good gas mileage, which makes it a smart choice for a lot of drivers.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since the 1970s. It is well-regarded for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced drivers.
spring rate
"...it became very clear very fast and it didn't have enough spring rate so but but nobody makes a stiffer..."
Spring rate is how stiff a spring is. If a spring is stiffer, it won't compress as much when weight is put on it, which can help the car handle better but might make the ride bumpier.
Spring rate refers to the stiffness of a spring, which determines how much it compresses under a given load. A higher spring rate means a stiffer spring, which can improve handling but may reduce ride comfort.
shocks
"...I want to have a spring that's going to work with the stock shocks like that would be a terrible idea..."
Shocks are parts that help control how much the car bounces when you go over bumps. They work with the springs to make the ride smoother and more stable.
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are components of a vehicle's suspension system that dampen the movement of the springs. They help control the car's ride and handling by minimizing excessive bouncing and swaying.
Buick Grand Sport
"...o a race car again it's probably going to be a C6 Grand Sport because that I can deal with you know where you s..."
The Buick Gran Sport is a classic car that was built for speed and performance. It's a larger car that many people admire for its powerful engine and sporty design.
The Buick Gran Sport is a performance-oriented variant of the Buick lineup, particularly popular during the muscle car era of the 1960s and 1970s. It is known for its powerful engines and sporty features, making it a sought-after classic among collectors.
Limp Mode
"oh Limp Mode Limp Mode should be outlawed but that's"
Limp Mode is when your car's computer detects a problem and makes the car run slower to avoid damage. It helps you get to a mechanic without causing more issues.
Limp Mode is a safety feature in vehicles that limits engine performance to prevent further damage when a serious issue is detected. It usually restricts speed and power, allowing the driver to reach a service center safely.
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