Another new Canadian presence emerging within NHRA Pro Stock class!….
Canada’s parade of new young gun driving talents continues within NHRA with Ontario’s Matt Latino “now on deck”.
Matt, from Port Perry, Ontario, is son to Eric Latino, who’s presence, both personal and professional, within Canadian drag racing and beyond has already reset very high standards.
Just recently, after earning his Pro Stock license, Matt Latino entered competition for the very first time when he raced at a 2025 pre-season attraction, SCAG Pro Superstar Shootout event held at Bradenton Florida, earlier this month.
After only recently licensing — Canadian Matt Latino showed great capability during a Pro Stock class debut during a major pre-season race in Florida.
Driving the KB/Titan Racing GESi Camaro at that event, Matt qualified deep with a career best 6.528 secs at 209.49 mph to make the 16-car field. Matt did however lose out in round #1 when he was forced to lift due to a tire shake issue.
“For Bradenton, I originally came to be part of my Dad’s race team, but after a couple of test sessions, he made the decision to put me behind the wheel,” Matt revealed. “I adapted quickly, ran some strong numbers,and ended up qualifying #7 in a stacked field. I even had the second-fastest pass in one of the qualifying sessions. Overall it was an incredible first outing and experience. It was a real confidence builder — I think I proved I can run with the best.”
Matt’s path into the Pro Stock class had remained somewhat “under the radar” prior to the Bradenton event.
“I’ve been around drag racing my entire life, growing up at the track with my Dad,” he stated. “I started out racing go-karts at five years old and over time I moved into some door cars as I got older. At age 16 with my 1964 Plymouth Valiant “sleeper” car (that I built) I raced in multiple arm drop drag racing events. I then moved onto a 9-seconds capable 1972 Plymouth Duster Pro-street car.”
Matt & Eric Latino
“The idea of racing Pro Stock had always been a dream — but it became a more serious goal over the last few years. So I focused on my business career and positioned myself to finally take this step.”
In fact Matt started his Pro Stock licensing process only recently. It was just last December — also at Bradenton Motorsports Park, within the confines of the KB/Titan Racing car. During that multi-day test affair he worked through burnouts, launches, and progressively longer hits. By the second day he was making some full-track runs.
“Driving a Pro Stock car is everything I imagined and more,” he beamed. “It’s a challenge to drive one of the most technical cars anywhere for drag racing — but I love it. Racing alongside my dad is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. He’s been my biggest mentor and now getting to compete at the same level as him is just an incredible experience.”
As to the immediate and long term future — that is a reality that will play itself out over time.
“Right now my father will continue to drive the Team GESi Racing Pro Stock car in NHRA,” Matt affirmed. “But I’m focused on securing funding to compete in as many NHRA national events as possible (this season).”
“The season opener in Gainesville is the immediate priority for our team. I’m working hard to secure sponsorship – so just maybe I can be on the starting line when Gainesville happens in March. I just need the right partners to make that happen. And as much as I’d love to compete in the full tour — I’ll likely ease into it. I’m hoping to compete in 6-8 events in 2025 and work my way into a full season for 2026.”
Matt Latino is also deeply and intricately involved with his family business, founded and started by his father Eric, Global Emissions Systems (GESi). He more recently officially took on the role as Director of Business Development about when the company expanded into its U.S. manufacturing facility.
“My focus has been on growing our G-Sport high performance catalytic converter brand, working directly with manufacturers, performance shops, and distributors,” he added.
Matt’s business background comes more from a “street smart” vein.
“I didn’t follow a traditional university path — after high school I instead went straight into opening my own custom automotive shop. Over time that grew into auto parts distribution and eventually consulting for businesses in the automotive industry. With that approach I currently have 12 years of hands-on business development experience.”
Matt is passionate about health and fitness too and he emphasised how important being physically and mentally prepared can play such a huge role in being a successful driver.
“And I’d love to partner with brands in the fitness and performance space that align with my dedication to both racing and personal health,” he winked.
Matt Latino’s racing career path did include two very cool Mopar cars. He won his first race (Arm Drop event) at age 17 (top) and also owned a Duster Pro Street machine.
Posted by Bruce Biegler
Photos Courtesy of KB/Titan/GESi Racing and Mike Gregg
