Running IndyCars, engineering championship-winning V8 Supercars… and going carbon zero? This episode of the Tuned In podcast with performance engineer Brad Eyes takes us in some very interesting directions.

👉 Use code ‘FUTURE50’ to get $50 off HPA’s EV Fundamentals Course: https://hpcdmy.co/evb

Brad shares his unique journey into motorsport, beginning with his determination to break into the high-stakes world of IndyCar — despite living on the other side of the planet. He dives into the challenges of performance engineering in a tightly regulated series and explains how teams still find speed in the most unlikely places.

From there, Brad transitions to Australia’s V8 Supercars, where he played a key role in a multi-championship-winning team. With firsthand insight, he breaks down what makes this series one of the most intense and exciting in global motorsport.

Brad’s career then takes a surprising turn as he shifts into the world of sustainable transport. Are EVs actually a con? Is there a future where performance and environmental responsibility can coexist? Brad shares his perspective.

Packed with talk on race car electronics, systems engineering, race strategy, and the future of speed, this episode is a great listen.

Check out Brad’s book here, and follow him here:
LinkedIn: Brad Eyes

👉 Don’t forget, you can use ‘‘FUTURE50’ to get $50 off HPA’s EV Fundamentals Course: https://hpcdmy.co/evb

Timestamps:

0:00 Does Fast Have a Future?
3:58 How did you get interested in cars and motorsport?
5:15 What was your role in Formula SAE?
8:20 How did you get into Indy Car and what was your role?
12:46 What are the parts that you can change in an Indy Car?
14:11 Indy car setup, road course vs oval
18:49 Does simulation react the same in the real world?
21:38 How long did you work in IndyCar, and what did your role progress to?
24:53 Moving to Australia and into V8 SuperCars
32:32 What was your role at DGR Team Penske?
33:54 How do you make race strategy calls?
43:28 What was next after V8 SuperCars?
46:21 What is transport decarbonisation?
49:11 What’s your opinion on electric vs hybrid vs internal combustion vehicles
1:11:34 Where do you want to go from here in your career?

Say goodbye to messy curly cords and more potential failure points.

Steering wheel-mounted controls make it easier to adjust key functions on the fly, but getting those signals from the wheel to the car is not as simple as it sounds. Running multiple wires through a rotating steering column is unreliable, time-consuming, and they can be prone to failure due to the nature of their use. Zestek has developed a CAN-based steering wheel PCB solution (CAN hub) that simplifies installation, reduces wiring complexity, and integrates seamlessly with MoTeC ECUs, dashes, and PDMs.

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With only four wires required for full functionality (CAN high, CAN low, power, and ground), this system eliminates the need for bulky wiring looms. The pogo pin system built into the quick-release hub provides a clean and hassle-free connection, removing the need for traditional curly cords. A pre-configured DBC file is available for MoTeC users (and we're sure more in the future), while others can configure the CAN signals using a spreadsheet for quick setup.

Each button and switch is fully customizable, including momentary and latching functions, as well as full-spectrum RGB LED feedback. Paddles can be used for more than just shifting, allowing functions like anti-lag, launch control, and nitrous activation. It is also sim racing compatible, making it easy to use the same wheel for both real and virtual driving while you wait out the winter weather.

Car brands are secretly limiting your car’s potential, and it has NOTHING to do with reliability.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Getting more power out of a factory car can be surprisingly straightforward with the right software (and sometimes hardware modifications), but what goes into developing a proper tune that exploits more potential without pushing the OEM components past their limits?

At SEMA, HPA had a chat with Arin Anhell from APR, one of the pioneers in the European aftermarket tuning market, to find out how they test and develop tunes, what safety measures they implement, and why modern turbocharged engines leave so much untapped potential from the factory.

Also discussed:

• The limits of factory components
• How APR ensures reliability in their tuning
• Why OEMs leave horsepower on the table
• How direct injection affects tuning potential
• The APR Plus warranty program and what it covers

If you're considering tuning your BMW, Mini, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, or other VAG vehicles etc this could be a very helpful insight into some of your options from APR and sister company Dinan Engineering.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Getting More Power From Your Factory Car
0:07 - Arin Anhell: APR
0:13 - How APR Develops a Tune
0:35 - Finding the Limits
0:50 - Sensors & Data Collection
1:19 - Dyno Testing & Power Increases
1:40 - Why Do Factory Cars Have Headroom?
2:23 - The Audi RS6 & Porsche Power Differences
3:04 - Factory ECU Safety Margins
3:39 - Fuel Quality & OEM Limitations
4:07 - The MK8 GTI & Octane Impact
4:42 - Oil Change Intervals & Reliability
5:50 - Cylinder Pressure & Peak Torque Management
6:36 - Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI)
7:35 - In-Cylinder Pressure Testing
8:04 - Tuning Safely Without Risk
8:42 - When Factory Hardware Becomes a Limitation
9:26 - Turbo Upgrades & Stage 3 Tuning
9:50 - Direct Injection Fuel System Limits
10:38 - APR Plus Warranty Explained
11:32 - APR Engine Replacements?
12:00 - ‪@APRtube‬
12:08 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE