There's a running theme through the last few features. Kentucky based tracks and shops, primarily South Western Kentucky. When I moved down from Chicago I was in need of a tuner and EVERYONE kept talking about Hal from Dynosty in Louisville. He was revered as a God of tuning, able to conquer any mountain that stood in his path. Any chassis, ECU, tuning platform, APPARENTLY Hal has a handle on it...Naturally, I took the position of hater, and doubted this Hal character could even tune my John Deere tractor. I don't have a tractor, I pay for lawn care because there's a snake somewhere in my lawn that I'm terrified of. BACK ON TOPIC: Handsome Hal hitting it home humbly. Also, I refer to Hal's good looks and rigid jawline quite a bit in the following paragraphs.
You see that? Thats Denise, Hal's wife. She's 10 weeks out from giving birth to the future of automotive badasses, and she still runs the show at the track. Lining Hal up in the burnout box, getting video and pics, Hell, I even saw her sucker punch a guy staring at Hal the wrong way. #ThugWife
Hal arrived at the track and our mutual friend Chris introduced us. I immediately relayed my doubts of his abilities, because I don't hide behind a keyboard like 90% of the forum trolls today. Hal took my pestering in stride, unloaded his SC300, and went on to prove me wrong on all accounts.
Final check overs, tune adjustments, and a 45oz mojito before he tears up the track.
The first pass out, with a setup that hasn't seen the road in YEARS. 2JZ, 3.0L still, and a Precision 76mm hanging off the head. The car cuts a 1.70 60ft and makes a 10.4X @ 141mph pass. I could visibly see the car wasn't short-timing as hard as it could (thats his 60ft/launch for you guys in the road race world). Before I could even lend advice, Hal had the car back in the staging lanes, laptop open, making adjustments.
Thats called concentration kids. Look it up in the dictionary; see a pic of Handsome Hal next to it.
Second pass up, car makes an almost identical pass. 1.7 60ft, 10.4X @ 142mph. Again I return to the staging lanes to find him tweaking. We caught eyes, he stared into my soul and I into his, I whisper the words "let it eat." Hal nods his head, and puts a new tuneup in the Haltech Elite.
AND BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE. Car cuts a 1.5 60ft, and goes through the traps at 9.6 @ 146mph. Denise squints to the time board, and turns to ask what he ran. I tell her and she lights up. This right here is the definition of a power couple in this industry. The support this woman puts out there for her Handsome-as-hell husband is top notch. Bear in mind, I spent all of 3 hours with these humans. I was enamored by their presence together. We returned to the pits and discussed his future in the automotive world, where he wants to go, and as always, what color underwear he was wearing. Below is an outline of our interview, stacked with some quality Q&A.
Tell me about the setup in the SC300.
It's a stock displacement, built 2J, Precision 76mm, Bradco Glide and converter. Weld Magnums, Haltech Elite with Racepak in the dash!
What type of work does Dynosty do?
We do start to finish builds. From motor builds to turbo kits, tuning and everything in between. We have an 8000sq ft space, and we specialize in every platform you can bring us. We primarily work with Nissans but dont back us into that corner. Right now we have a C4, C5, and C6 sitting in the shop all getting overhauled.
Best and worst engine management to tune?
Oh boy, I know I'm going to get a lot of grief for this but I can't stand Megasquirt. Favorite tuning suites would have to be a tie between Motec and Haltech.
First tuning program you mastered?
Ughh... I hate to admit this...*LONG Pause*....I guess Greddy Emanage or electromotive haha.
Why did you gravitate towards tuning and how long have you been involved in it?
I've been involved in tuning for 15 years, I started because of a lack of reliability from anyone near me.
What's your middle name?
Oh....I'm afraid I can't answer that...
Favorite Ice Cream, cheese, and restaurant?
BLUE BELL. ALL FLAVORS. AND I CANNOT GET IT ANYWHERE. Cheese; all types, I'm a big cheese fan. Restaurant....that's a tough one. I'd say Nobu.
What color underwear do you have on?
None. (wink)
Sports team?
No.
I see your wife has a child in her stomach, how many kids do you have?
Just the one on the way! It's a boy and will be Hal the Fourth.
Favorite non automotive hobby?
Offroading. (don't worry I called Hal out on this being automotive and made him tell me another hobby)....Okay okay, traveling. "Yeah to racetracks"- Denise.
By far, one of the nicest guys I've had the pleasure to sit down and talk to. Hal didn't even know my name 4 hours prior and still made me feel like a part of the crew at Dynosty. When I asked who was most influential in getting him started, he paused for awhile, and responded with "well my dad drives a Ford Taurus so I guess myself?" We shared a laugh and when I dug deeper, the root of his enthusiasm stems directly from a want to go fast. The OG Ricky Bobby. Hal wants to extend a giant thank you to his wife Denise and the crew at Dynosty; Dustin Eddie and Brock specifically! Thanks again to these motorsportists, they are a gleaming example of quality in this profession. Look below for a full gallery from the night!
