Matt Latino on Pro Stock Racing, 1500HP NA Engines, and Making Horsepower With Cats

Pro Stock is a specific class in NHRA drag racing with strict rules about the type of car and how it’s prepared. It’s known for being highly competitive and technically demanding, including precise driving and engine setup requirements.

NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag racing is organized into classes with different vehicle types and rules. The episode segment contrasts Pro Stock with other NHRA categories like Top Fuel and Funny Car.

Top Fuel Funny Cars are another top NHRA class, using a shorter, body-on-style design compared with dragsters. Like Top Fuel dragsters, they’re known for nitro-burning engines and very high performance.

A “0-20 reaction time” refers to the time window from the start signal to the car’s movement over the first 20 feet. In Pro Stock, drivers aim for extremely quick launches because the competition is so close.

This describes the transmission and engine operating demands of Pro Stock: the car must shift multiple times while the engine stays at very high revolutions per minute (RPM). High RPM shifting is part of how these cars maintain power and speed throughout the run.

Naturally aspirated means the engine makes power without forced induction like turbocharging or supercharging. In this segment, Pro Stock engines are described as naturally aspirated, which strongly affects how they produce horsepower and how they respond to conditions like altitude.

“500 cubic inch” refers to engine displacement, a measure of the total volume of all cylinders. In Pro Stock, the displacement limit is part of the rules, which helps keep competition close and makes horsepower comparisons more meaningful.

Nitrous (nitrous oxide) is a system that injects additional oxygen into the engine to increase power. The speaker notes Pro Stock rules exclude nitrous, along with turbochargers, which makes the class more about naturally aspirated tuning.

Turbochargers use exhaust energy to spin a turbine that forces more air into the engine, increasing potential power. The segment emphasizes Pro Stock engines don’t use turbochargers, which changes both the power curve and the tuning approach.

High octane race fuel is formulated to resist knock (uncontrolled combustion) under high compression and high-stress conditions. Pro Stock engines use it to safely make power at extreme tuning levels.

“Horsepower per cubic inch” is a specific power metric that normalizes output to engine displacement. Using a ratio like ~3 hp per cubic inch helps compare how hard different engines are working relative to their size.

Pomona refers to the Pomona drag racing venue on the Pro Stock schedule mentioned in the episode. The hosts note they race there twice during the season.

Charlotte is referenced as a track where they used to race twice, but the schedule was reduced to once. This is part of the episode’s discussion about how the racing calendar changes.

In drag racing, the “quarter” refers to the quarter-mile distance (about 402 meters). When the hosts say the cars are running “six fives in the quarter,” they mean elapsed time over that quarter-mile, which is a key performance benchmark in drag racing.

Liberty transmissions is a brand known for building purpose-built racing gearboxes used in drag racing. In Pro Stock, the transmission hardware and shift behavior are critical to getting consistent quarter-mile performance.

Pro Mod (short for Pro Modified) is a drag racing category known for highly modified cars that still resemble production bodies. Compared with more restrictive classes, Pro Mod typically allows more freedom in engine and chassis design, which is why it’s a common stepping stone toward top-level drag racing.

The “318” refers to a 318 cubic-inch V8 engine displacement (a common Chrysler small-block). In drag racing builds, the engine’s displacement and internal parts determine how much power it can make and how reliably it survives repeated hard runs.

The 1964 Plymouth Valiant is a classic American muscle-era compact that the speaker used as a starting point for racing. In this story it’s notable because it began as a low-output setup and then evolved through major engine upgrades.

A stroker small block is an engine build where the crankshaft and connecting-rod geometry increases displacement compared with the stock configuration. Stroker builds are often used to make more torque and power, especially in drag racing where strong acceleration off the line matters.

“Wiped the cam out” means the camshaft and/or cam bearings were damaged to the point the engine couldn’t run. In performance engines, this often points to lubrication issues, incorrect break-in, or valvetrain setup problems under high load.

Pro Street is a drag racing style where cars are modified for high performance while retaining some street manners. Compared with purpose-built drag cars, Pro Street builds often emphasize drivability, suspension geometry, and packaging that can work on real roads.

Global Emissions is referenced as the speaker’s employer, where they learned skills related to sales. In the context of motorsports, the speaker connects that business experience to understanding what brands want to see in racing.

NHRA refers to the National Hot Rod Association, which organizes drag racing events in the U.S. When someone says they’ll do “NHRA events,” they mean competing in that series’ sanctioned races, typically with specific rules and class structures.

“B2B” means business-to-business, where the sponsor’s goal is to generate leads or sales to other companies rather than just consumer brand awareness. In racing sponsorship, this often means connecting the sponsor with fleet operators, distributors, or other commercial buyers.

FAS is named as the speaker’s primary sponsor. The transcript describes FAS as a diesel solution company focused on fuel filtration systems, implying they supply products used on diesel trucks.

Fuel filtration systems are components that remove contaminants from diesel fuel before it reaches the engine’s fuel system. Cleaner fuel helps protect injectors and other precision parts from wear caused by dirt, water, or other debris.

A diesel truck is a commercial vehicle powered by a diesel engine, commonly used for hauling and fleet operations. The transcript ties the sponsor’s products to “weak points” on diesel trucks, suggesting the application is aimed at commercial diesel use rather than passenger cars.

Trucking fleets are groups of commercial trucks operated by a company, often across multiple routes and locations. For sponsors, fleets are valuable because they represent repeat, high-volume customers for parts and maintenance-related products.

Trucking distribution centers are logistics hubs where goods are received, sorted, and dispatched to customers or other facilities. They’re mentioned as target customers because they influence purchasing for fleets and related commercial equipment.

B2B means “business-to-business,” referring to marketing and relationships between companies rather than directly to consumers. The speaker is describing how motorsports sponsorship can create networking and deal-making opportunities for sponsors.

NHRA stands for the National Hot Rod Association, which runs drag racing events in the U.S. An “NHRA drag car” is a race car built and operated to compete in NHRA-style drag races, where cars accelerate down a straight strip and are judged on elapsed time and speed.

An “arrive and drive” program is a racing arrangement where the team provides the car, equipment, and often the crew, and the driver shows up to race. The driver (or sponsor) typically pays a season fee rather than building and operating everything themselves.

KB Titan is referenced as the speaker’s organization involved in pro stock “arrive and drive” services. In this context, it’s the company offering access to race cars and support for drivers who pay to participate.

In racing, the chassis is the car’s main structural frame that everything else mounts to—suspension, drivetrain components, and bodywork. The speaker notes that buying a pro stock car involves spending a few hundred thousand dollars on the chassis alone.

An “arrive and drive” program is a racing setup where the team provides a ready-to-race car and often support personnel, so the driver can show up and drive without building or managing the whole operation. It’s common in pro and semi-pro racing because it reduces logistics and setup time for the driver.

In pro racing, “building” a competitive engine means assembling and calibrating an engine specifically for the class rules and the demands of repeated high-load runs. It typically involves selecting components, machining, and tuning so the engine can survive and produce consistent power under race conditions.

CNC machines are computer-controlled tools used to precisely machine parts. In racing, they’re used to make engine and drivetrain components to tight tolerances, which helps performance, fitment, and repeatability.

“Blow a motor” means the engine fails catastrophically—often from overheating, lubrication failure, detonation, or mechanical breakage—during a run or between runs. In high-power racing, teams plan around this risk with spare engines and fast turnaround.

In racing service, “drive shaft comes out” refers to removing the driveshaft (the rotating shaft that transfers torque from the transmission to the rear differential). Teams may remove it between passes to inspect components, swap parts, or service the drivetrain quickly.

“Tires come out” indicates the team removes and replaces tires between runs. In high-power drag racing, tires are a consumable because traction and tire condition change quickly after a hard pass, and worn tires can reduce grip or increase the chance of failure.

In racing, a clutch is the mechanical link between the engine and the transmission. It’s used to engage/disengage power so the car can launch and shift correctly under high load.

Gear ratios describe how many times the transmission multiplies engine rotation before it reaches the wheels. Shorter (numerically higher) ratios can improve acceleration, while taller ratios can help top speed—so teams adjust them based on weather and how the car performs.

Engine management refers to the car’s electronic control system (ECU) that manages fuel, ignition timing, and other parameters. In racing, an engine management specialist may also tune the ECU to match the engine’s current condition and track conditions.

A leak-down test pressurizes a cylinder to check how well it holds pressure, helping diagnose sealing problems like worn piston rings or valve leakage. It’s a common way to assess engine health after hard runs.

Compression refers to the engine’s ability to build pressure in the cylinders during the compression stroke. Teams measure it to spot wear or damage that would reduce power or reliability.

A sequential transmission lets the driver shift only forward or backward through gears in order (rather than an H-pattern). It’s popular in racing because it can be faster and more consistent under hard launches and repeated passes.

6XD is presented here as a brand of sequential gearbox used in high-level motorsport. The hosts claim it’s exceptionally strong and widely used in the FD (Formula Drift) field.

Eliminations refers to a straight knockout format where winners advance and losers are done for the day. It’s contrasted here with qualifying sessions that determine starting position or bracket placement.

“Trade drag racing” refers to a drag-racing format where cars run in a way that can create frequent, disruptive delays (for example, after oil spills). In practice, it’s often contrasted with formats that can be paused or rescheduled more easily.

“Elimination rounds” are the head-to-head stages of a racing bracket where losers are knocked out and winners advance. The timing and rules around eliminations drive how teams plan adjustments between runs.

“NASCAR country” is a colloquial way to describe regions where NASCAR is especially popular and culturally prominent. In the segment, it frames why the speaker is considering other motorsports beyond drag racing.

The Craftsman Truck Series is NASCAR’s stock-car racing series featuring pickup trucks. It’s mentioned as a potential opportunity for the speaker to drive in a different discipline than drag racing.

Hood scoops are openings on the hood that direct outside air toward the engine’s intake. On race cars, they can improve intake airflow and cooling, and they’re often used to meet specific intake/airflow rules.

EFI stands for electronic fuel injection. Instead of using carburetors to mix fuel and air mechanically, EFI uses sensors and an electronic control unit to meter fuel for more precise fueling and easier tuning.

“Top mount” intake placement means the air intake components are positioned on top of the engine/hood area rather than lower or side-mounted. Intake location can affect airflow quality, packaging, and how consistently the engine gets air during acceleration.

This refers to an estimated power increase from the rule change. In drag racing, even modest horsepower gains can translate into noticeably faster elapsed times because the car accelerates harder through the run.

In an intake manifold, “runners” are the individual tubes that route air from the throttle body to each cylinder. How evenly air is distributed across runners affects cylinder-to-cylinder fueling and tuning, which can influence power and consistency.

An intake manifold is the part that routes air from the intake system to the engine’s cylinders. For high-level racing, changing the intake manifold geometry can strongly affect airflow and engine performance.

R&D (research and development) is the process of testing and refining designs until they work reliably and efficiently. In racing, it often includes repeated hardware changes, data collection, and track or dyno validation.

In drag racing context, “650” refers to elapsed time in the quarter-mile expressed in tenths of a second (e.g., 6.50 seconds). Moving from 6.50 to 6.47 is a meaningful performance gain at this level of competition.

“644” is the current record expressed as elapsed time in tenths of a second (6.44 seconds). At Pro Stock speeds, shaving hundredths of a second requires major optimization across the car and engine.

“640s” refers to elapsed times in the 0.1-second range used in drag racing (e.g., a run in the low 6.4-second bracket). The speaker emphasizes that even small time changes—like a 649 versus a 660—feel very different in how the car accelerates and how the run is driven.

In drag racing, the left and right lanes are not always identical. Small differences in traction, setup, or aerodynamics can make one lane feel harder or easier to drive, especially when visibility and body position are affected by aero parts like hood scoops.

The cowl is the body section at the base of the windshield that connects the hood area to the cabin. Drag-racing teams may raise or reshape the cowl to change airflow and packaging for components like hood scoops, which can alter both aerodynamics and driver sightlines.

An offset hood scoop is positioned to one side rather than centered. In this context, the offset is used to preserve a usable straight-ahead sightline for the driver while still providing the airflow/packaging benefits of the scoop.

A supercharger is an engine-driven forced-induction device that compresses incoming air to increase power. Because it’s mechanically driven, it can provide strong boost across a wide range of engine speeds.

An injector hat is a drag-racing intake component used to distribute fuel/air (or fuel) into the engine’s intake system. In blown cars, it’s often mounted near the blower/intake area and is shaped to manage airflow and mixture delivery.

NHRA regulations are the rulebook constraints set by the National Hot Rod Association for how race cars must be built and configured. In this context, they affect the allowed front-end and aerodynamic profile, limiting how much teams can change the bodywork.

In regulated drag racing, “templated” means the car’s bodywork and aerodynamic surfaces must match a specified physical profile. Teams use templates to verify the car stays within allowed dimensions and shapes, which strongly limits redesign freedom.

“Arrow aspect” appears to refer to the aerodynamic profile/shape that affects airflow over the car’s front and into the windshield area. The speaker suggests lowering the cowl to improve visibility could disrupt that aerodynamic shape, reducing effectiveness.

A Lexan windshield is made from Lexan (a brand of polycarbonate), which is commonly used in racing because it can be lighter and more impact-resistant than traditional glass. It also influences aerodynamic transitions because the bodywork is shaped to meet it smoothly.

In this context, “wicker” refers to a rear aerodynamic element whose height is regulated within tolerances. Adjusting its height changes airflow and can influence downforce and stability, but teams must stay within the allowed measurement window.

Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car’s tires toward the track surface to improve traction. Race teams adjust aerodynamic elements within rule tolerances to manage how much downforce the car generates at speed.

An engine program is the organized development and calibration effort around an engine for a specific racing goal—covering parts selection, machining, tuning, and iterative testing. In pro drag racing, the engine program is often as important as chassis setup for achieving repeatable performance.

Weight transfer is how a car shifts load from one end or side to the other during launch, braking, or cornering. In drag racing, tuning weight transfer helps the car plant the tires and produce consistent acceleration.

“Plant the tire” refers to getting the tire to stay loaded and gripping during launch rather than spinning or unloading. It’s closely tied to suspension setup, tire choice, and how weight transfer is managed.

Preload is the initial tension/compression applied to a suspension component (often springs or shocks) before the car is loaded. In racing, adjusting preload changes ride height and how the suspension responds during launch.

Rollout is the distance a tire travels for one full rotation, which affects effective gearing and how the car accelerates. Even if two tires are the “same size,” wear and construction can change rollout.

An R&D program (research and development) is the structured process of testing ideas, refining designs, and validating changes with data. In racing, it often drives improvements in engine output, drivability, and chassis/suspension tuning.

Grey Motorsports is referenced as a racing team/business the speaker acquired. The context suggests it was a championship-winning NHRA team, contributing talent and knowledge to the combined operation.

The “60-foot” time is how quickly the car reaches 60 feet down the track, which heavily reflects launch and early traction. In drag racing, improving 60-foot times often yields big gains in overall ET because it sets up the rest of the run.

In drag racing, suspension tuning affects how the car squats and controls motion during launch. Small changes can alter traction and stability, which is why racers talk about finding thousandths in suspension setup.

The Volvo 960 is a large, late-era Volvo sedan known for being comfortable and well-built, often discussed in the context of how to choose the right condition and model range. In the podcast, the speaker mentions “970s or 960s” and suggests that getting into those ranges means the car is “dialed in well.” It’s mentioned because buyers often look for specific years/trim ranges that tend to be better sorted.

Rockingham is a drag racing venue the hosts mention as one of their go-to places for testing and events. In this context, it’s part of how they choose where to run based on distance and scheduling.

Darlington is another drag strip they reference as an alternate venue. They mention using it when track conditions or prep needs differ (for example, when Rockingham is being resurfaced).