NHRA Super Stock class racing is very competitive, and you need a solid engine program if you want to win at any level. Louisiana native Brandon Bakies has won multiple NHRA national events behind the wheel of his Super Stock COPO Camaro with horsepower from the students and staff at the School of Automotive Machinist (SAM Tech). Bakies most recent win was at the Texas NHRA FallNationals in a thrilling heads-up showdown.

The LS-based powerplant that comes in the COPO when you pick the car up is potent, but there’s always room to squeeze more horsepower out of the mill. There are numerous tricks that Super Stock engine builders use to push an OEM-based engine to its limits. The 9.38 e.t. that Bakies laid down in the final round is a booming number for the combination, and shows what a naturally aspirated COPO engine can do when it’s fully uncorked.

SAM Tech’s students receive a full education from their instructors on optimizing and maximizing the amount of power any engine can produce. Each student has the opportunity to learn how to machine engine blocks, cylinder heads, design engines, and the art of EFI tuning. The students are given the opportunity to apply these skills at the school by machining and assembling engines like the one Bakies used to win at the Texas Motorplex. Bakies’ crew at the FallNationals was made up of SAM Tech students who assisted with the COPO’s tuning and getting the car ready for each round of racing.

If you’re interested in learning more about the programs SAM Tech offers check out the school’s website right here.