Hypercritical by Professional Awesome Racing

In this conversation, Devin Giles and Jon Cotton delve into the intricacies of vehicle dynamics engineering, focusing on suspension tuning, tire development, and performance optimization. Jon shares his extensive experience as a vehicle dynamics engineer, discussing the importance of understanding suspension systems, measuring dynamics, and the nuances of understeer and oversteer. The conversation...

Summary This conversation delves into the intricacies of suspension setups for road course and drift cars, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two. The speakers discuss the evolution of drift cars, the importance of understanding suspension dynamics, and the role of data in improving performance. They also explore the mindset differences between circuit racers and drifters, e...

Today we Devin and Mike discuss Devin's next track car that will be voted on by you, the audiance. Let's get a little nerdy on what makes the Camaro, ISF, ATS-V, and M4 good and awful choices. Our Socials Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/professionalawesomeracing/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/2950472345184860 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠...

Summary In this conversation, Michael Lewin and Ryan Dunham delve into the complexities of aerodynamic design, the challenges of attachment in automotive engineering, and the evolving landscape of 3D printing and prototyping. They discuss Ryan's role as a Design Release Engineer, the importance of collaboration in the automotive industry, and the advancements in technology that are making prot...

Summary In this episode of Hypercritical, host Devin Giles and co-hosts Michael Lewin and Hayden Lowe welcome Kevin Fennell, the owner of FastX and builder of the Black and Green Exige. The conversation delves into the journey of building a high-performance time attack car, discussing modifications, performance specs, and the challenges faced during the build. Key topics include the innovative sus...

In this episode, Devin Giles and Michael Lewin engage with Alan from SPL Parts, discussing the evolution of the JDM parts market, the challenges of sourcing and importing parts, and the impact of drifting on suspension components. They delve into the importance of understanding suspension dynamics, kinematics, and the limitations of OEM parts. The conversation also touches on the future directions...

We have a round table discussion on aero and being in the business of high-end aero. This is one you don't want to miss! Our Socials Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/professionalawesomeracing/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/2950472345184860 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠professionalawesome.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Hypercritical Radio, the hosts delve into the engineering and grassroots aspects of automotive technology, focusing on Aric's ambitious Lotus project. The conversation covers the challenges of building a Lotus 211, navigating class regulations, and the importance of aerodynamics in performance. The hosts share insights on project cars, the intricacies of automotive engineeri...

In this conversation, Eric Kutil shares his journey in the racing world, detailing his passion for Honda vehicles and the evolution of his racing career. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building his dream car, a four-door Civic, while also reflecting on the competitive landscape of the Gridlife Touring Cup (GLTC) and the rise of Corvettes in the series. Eric emphasizes the importance o...

In this episode of the Hypercritical podcast, hosts Devin Giles and Michael Lewin are joined by aerodynamics engineer Paul Lucas. They discuss the intricacies of aerodynamics in both automotive and aerospace fields, the importance of consumer education in aerodynamics, and common mistakes enthusiasts make when setting up their vehicles. Paul shares insights from his career and notable projects and...

Summary In this episode of Hypercritical Radio, the hosts delve into the engineering of grassroots tech and car parts, discussing the intricacies of designing and manufacturing custom components. They explore the importance of understanding engine mounts, torque, and load and the challenges faced when swapping engines and transmissions. The conversation also touches on common issues with adapter p...

In this episode of Hypercritical Radio, the hosts delve into the intricacies of engineering and product design, particularly in the automotive aftermarket. They discuss the importance of thorough testing, the collaboration between engineers and mechanics, and the common pitfalls faced in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for iterative design, learning from mistakes, and the value...

In this episode, the hosts discuss essential preparations and modifications for new drivers heading to the racetrack. They emphasize the importance of safety gear, brake system maintenance, and the impact of driver behavior on brake performance. The conversation also covers cooling system maintenance and the significance of choosing the right tires for track performance. The hosts share personal a...

In this episode, Devin and Brian discuss the intersection of mental health and racing, sharing personal experiences and insights on how mental health challenges, such as ADHD, impact performance on the track. They explore strategies for managing mental health during race days, the importance of consistency in racing, and the role of support systems and sponsorships. The conversation emphasizes the...

In this episode, Mike Lewin engages in a detailed discussion with Zack Peterson from Fortune Auto about the intricacies of suspension systems. They explore the evolution of suspension technology, the importance of proper setup, and the role of data in developing effective suspension solutions. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions in the aftermarket suspension world, the value of...

Devin and Brooke Hammersmith discuss the intricacies of building a lightweight S2000 for time attack racing in this episode. They explore the philosophy behind lightweight versus power, the challenges of aftermarket parts, and the costs associated with building a competitive car. Brooke shares his journey of weight reduction techniques, the importance of community in car building, and his aspirati...

In this episode, Devin and Micah discuss the importance of proper oil system management, the necessity of data logging for engine health, and practical tips for hobbyist mechanics. They emphasize the significance of instrumentation and proactive measures to prevent costly engine failures. The conversation also covers incremental upgrades for building a car and the value of understanding your vehic...

Today, Devin talks to Tanner, the Vice President of Fuelab. The conversation centers on automotive sponsorships, focusing on time attack and drifting. Key points include building long-term sponsor relationships, clear communication, marketing value of different cars, and creating engaging content. Devin and Tanner emphasize enthusiasm for brands, personable communication, and dealing with gatekeep...

The conversation revolves around the definition and spirit of time attack in the context of different classes and rule sets. Amir argues that time attack is an engineering challenge that pushes the boundaries of car performance, while Kevin emphasizes the importance of driver development. They also touch on the perception of time attack in Japan versus the US. Amir argues that there should be a di...

Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Olson, a seasoned motorcycle racing and bike preparation professional. Steve's expertise lies in prepping motorcycles for beginners and competitive riders, and he shares some of the intricate internal work that goes into crafting a track bike. He challenges the notion of 'If it’s OEM, you better have a good reason for throwing it out' and takes us...

Today, we talked to Kevin Burke. One of the fastest dudes driving around SoCal (Southern California). This dude has raced a Viper for Torco, which he bought from Torco. He also owns arguably one of the fastest S2000s on the West Coast. Mike nerds out about electronic differentials. Do you think modern E-Diff cars should be bumped up a class in time attack? We also discussed brake-by-wire, which co...

Today, we have Micah McMahan from  3MI Racing LLC again. We talk about the lack of parity within the time attack organizers. We go DEEP into the weeds on shock shafts. You need a strong shaft! How you can find a good engine builder for your needs. What about oil, the truth about oil in your car? Micah’s Socials Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3MIRacing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginge...

Today, we have Micah McMahan from  3MI Racing LLC. Micah has a storied history, including going across the pond to work for Oracle Red Bull Racing (Yes, that Red Bull Racing) as a powertrain team lead. He has also worked for  Roush Yates Engines, so to say the least, he is experienced in powertrains. In this episode, we explore all things to do with an engine and some of the internal testing/worki...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of aerodynamics with Ido Waksman, an aerodynamic engineer at Pratt Miller. The company that builds the C8R GT3 cars. With a rich background that includes work with Honda as an aero dynamist in Ohio, Ido shares the intricate steps involved in transforming the C8R base model into a high-performance GT3 racing car. Discover the challenges...

Today, we are joined by Feras Qartoumy. Arguably, it is the fastest Corvette in the world, but let’s settle on North America for now. Feras, let’s dive into what made him choose the Corvette over his sick Nova—another racer with a drag racing background. Feras shares the background information on how the car got to Australia for World Time Attack. He also shares his first-hand account of driving a...