7 Sept 2026
Clutch Burners ep 58- Blayne Stark
This episode follows the Clutch Burners crew as they break down Brett Lasala’s switch from automatic to stick shift and what that means for the car, the crew, and the tuning approach. Blayne Stark joins the conversation with real-time updates from the shop, including clutch setup changes, suspension tweaks, data logging, and the plan for Wisconsin. We discuss the learning curve of a clutch car, how the team is adapting between rounds, and why the Blue Mustang project is turning into a major second build for drag and drive competition.
00:00 - Intro, Brett’s last minute thrash, and tonight’s guest Blaine Stark
01:24 - Brett’s clutch service and the stripped stud problem
02:07 - Late night testing prep and help from Derek Santiago and PMR Racing
03:20 - Six lever clutch basics and the primary versus secondary lever design
04:47 - Reworking the clutch pedal and cross shaft geometry
06:05 - How they stage the car and build boost before the hit
07:13 - What primary and secondary clutch levers actually do
09:39 - How small the clutch wear changes are between rounds
11:05 - Service access through the bellhousing and titanium hardware details
11:37 - Brett’s excitement after the first stick shift video and first runs
13:06 - Coyote engine setup, Fast Forward block, and head temp concerns
13:54 - More setup work with a stick car versus the old automatic combination
15:11 - Weight savings from ditching the converter setup and extra ballast
16:48 - How Blaine got tied into Brett’s team and now travels to races
18:06 - What their between-round routine looks like with the clutch car
19:14 - Data acquisition, clutch temp sensing, and what they monitor
20:48 - Suspension changes and why the setup was softened a bit
22:53 - Tire choice, 60 foot progress, and the first 1.16 launch
24:06 - Wisconsin testing plans and the goal of gathering more data
25:26 - Why the Foxbody platform and stock suspension style make sense
26:36 - The Blue Mustang build, back half changes, and bigger tire clearance
28:57 - Getting ready for Drag Week and why they’re going even without an entry
31:28 - The wagon engine failure, chassis dyno testing, and oiling problem
33:01 - The wrong ring pack and the fix that got the engine back together
34:33 - What class the wagon might run and why it doesn’t fit neatly anywhere
35:44 - Why Drag Week is the missing sticker on the windshield for them
36:11 - Gear changes, rear gear tuning, and moving from 4400 to 5700 two-step
37:11 - Trying to get the clutch to stay locked sooner with a small motor
38:57 - Building the Blue Mustang for stick shift drag and drive competition
40:10 - The stick shift trend catching on and other fast cars in the class
41:53 - Tom’s Pontiac swap idea and the weird transaxle history of the Le Mans
47:43 - Plan for Wisconsin, testing opportunities, and possibly getting laps in
49:27 - Wagon performance, 60 foots, and what the engine hurt run looked like
51:00 - Why radios helped their racing routine and reduced chaos
53:13 - FuelTech versus Holley discussion for the Blue Mustang
54:28 - The old engine failure, detonation, and what got damaged
57:08 - Aluminum rods, weight change, and clutch behavior from reduced mass
58:33 - Tire pressure, track reading, and using a track meter
60:44 - Clutch setup differences between the Defiant and Ace style clutches
62:31 - How much they are slipping the clutch and why the RPM band matters
64:38 - The balance between slipping enough and locking up too early
66:22 - Predictions for Wisconsin, the crew’s confidence, and closing thoughts
69:15 - Precision Parts, Blaine’s Therapy, and where to find the team online
