MTC Engineering: 75 Years of Power, Innovation, and Racing Legacy    

2025 marks a milestone year—MTC Engineering is celebrating 75 years of pushing the limits in the racing industry. For three-quarters of a century, MTC has been the trusted name behind countless race wins, world records, and innovations that have changed the game for racers worldwide.

The Beginning of a Legacy

It all started in 1950, in California, when the company first opened its doors under the name MC Components—a partnership between McCabe and Clausen (hence the “MC”). Early on, the company specialized in forged pistons and related components—and even produced a full line of pistons for cars as well as motorcycles.

A New Name, a New Era

Soon after, a third partner, Ken Tipton, joined the team. The company evolved into MTC Engineering, and Ken later acquired full ownership. In 1975, he moved MTC across the country to its current home in Cocoa, Florida, where the company’s modern era truly began.

With passion and relentless innovation, Ken expanded MTC’s product line to include exhaust systems, air shifters, and game-changing racing clutches. His patented designs for “slider” and multistage clutches revolutionized how racers transferred power to the track. Ken led MTC’s growth for two decades before handing the reins to Top Fuel legend Tony Lang.

Engineering Evolution

With a background in tool and die and a deep love for racing, Tony Lang supercharged MTC’s capabilities. He ushered in CNC production equipment that elevated MTC pistons to a new level of precision and consistency. Together with his wife Gina Lang (daughter of the legendary Elmer Trett), Tony helped evolve MTC into a powerhouse of innovation.

During their tenure, the company honed its focus on manufacturing industry-leading pistons and cylinder systems, while outsourcing clutch component production.

The Hochstetler Revolution

In 2005, Eric Hochstetler acquired MTC Engineering—and took it to the next level once again. With a background in engineering and an eye for growth, Eric brought MTC’s manufacturing fully in-house, reducing lead times and increasing the company’s flexibility and capability.

“When I took over, MTC was outsourcing over $300,000 worth of parts a year,” Eric explained. “In less than three years, we had the in-house capability to produce our own components—enabling faster development, higher quality, and quicker response to customer needs.”

Game-Changing Innovation: Gen II Multistage Clutch

In 2009, MTC Engineering made another historic leap with the release of the Gen II Multistage Clutch—a product that would forever change motorcycle drag racing.

The clutch originated from a collaboration with the brilliant Mike Lozano, a visionary engine builder across both car and motorcycle worlds. Originally built for his own V-Twin race bike, Lozano approached MTC with the concept, knowing the company had the patents to take it to market.

After key design improvements, MTC launched the clutch across 10-15 different racing platforms. The result? World records shattered across multiple classes, and a newfound ability for racers to harness raw horsepower with unmatched efficiency.

Built on Relationships. Driven by Passion.

While MTC Engineering is now a globally recognized name, one thing has never changed: its deep connection with the racing community.

“We still travel to 10-12 races a year to support our racers and listen to their feedback,” says Hochstetler. “That’s how we stay ahead—by understanding what our customers need, and responding faster than anyone else. We’re delivering custom piston designs in as little as 4-5 weeks, while our competitors take 12-16 weeks. That flexibility is part of what makes MTC special.”

Looking Ahead

As MTC Engineering celebrates its 75th anniversary, the company isn’t slowing down. If anything—it’s charging harder than ever.

With new technologies on the horizon, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a legacy of innovation to uphold, MTC is excited for what the future holds.

75 years of power. 75 years of innovation. 75 years of racing history—built one win, one product, one racer at a time.

Here’s to the next 75!

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MTC Engineering LLC
428 Shearer Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32922 USA
Sales: (800) 827-9210 • Sales@mtceng.com
International & Tech Support: (321) 636-9480

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