Ep. 43: From the Shop to the Podium - Doug Mittag & the Evolution of BILSTEIN Black Hawk UTV Shocks

Send us a textIn this episode of Shock Talk, Mike and Shane are joined by returning guest Joseph from Product Management and Ryan from R&D to explore the booming world of camper conversions and van life. From full-size RVs to DIY sprinter van builds, the crew breaks down the key differences in suspension needs across the camping spectrum—and what BILSTEIN recommends for each setup. Ryan even shares details about his personal sprinter van build, and the team teases some exciting new products designed specifically for van lifers and overland enthusiasts. Whether you're living full-time on the road or just planning your next weekend escape, this one’s for you. 🏕️🚐 #BILSTEIN #ShockTalk #VanLife #SprinterVanBuild #CamperConversion #RVlife #Overland

Send us a textIn this episode of Shock Talk, Mike and Shane are joined by BILSTEIN team member and longtime BMW enthusiast, Joseph. From years on the tech lines to now managing the product catalog, Joseph brings a unique perspective as the crew dives deep into BILSTEIN’s full street performance lineup—including coilovers and the EVO series.Whether you’re daily driving, weekend canyon carving, or chasing lap times, this episode breaks down which product is right for which type of customer, the pros and cons of each option, and expert setup tips to help you get the most out of your suspension. Joseph also shares some of the toughest tech questions he’s had to answer—and the solutions you need to know.

Send us a textOn this episode of Shock Talk, Mike and Shane are joined by Aaron, BILSTEIN’s U.S. Head of Motorsports, and Keith from the motorsports team based in Mooresville, North Carolina—right in the heart of American racing. They break down the critical role of car setup, how tuning strategies differ between dirt and circle track classes, and how cutting-edge tools like AI are shaping the future of performance. Whether you're racing on clay or asphalt, this one’s full of insight from the people helping top teams find speed every weekend. 🏁

Send us a textThis week on Shock Talk, Mike and Shane are joined by Fabian, the marketing team lead from BILSTEIN’s global headquarters in Germany. They dive into the latest motorsports marketing efforts happening in Germany and explore the state-of-the-art facilities at the Nürburgring, including BILSTEIN’s industry-leading 7-post rig used to fine-tune vehicle performance. They also break down the key differences between the European sports car scene and the U.S. off-road world—plus, they settle once and for all how to correctly pronounce BILSTEIN. Buckle up for a deep dive into the world of high-performance suspension and motorsports!

Send us a textOn this episode of Shock Talk, hosts Shane and Junior sit down with off-road racer Doug Mittag and BILSTEIN shock tuner Nathan for an inside look at the world of UTV racing and suspension tuning. Doug shares insights into his business, where he builds high-performance UTVs and chassis for desert racing, and reflects on his incredible 2nd place finish at the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge in his Polaris Pro R. The conversation dives deep into shock tuning and the evolution of the BILSTEIN Black Hawk UTV program, where Doug and Nathan played a pivotal role in pushing the technology forward. If you’re into off-road racing, suspension tuning, or just love a good shop talk session, this episode is a must-listen!https://offroad.bilstein.com/en-us/products/black-hawk-powersports/ 

Send us a textFor this special episode of Shock Talk, Mike and Junior take the show to the rugged lakebed of Johnson Valley during King of the Hammers! They’re joined by BILSTEIN shock tuner Nathan and legendary racer Brian Deegan for an action-packed conversation covering Brian’s journey in motorsports, his approach to car setup and race strategy for KOH, and an in-depth tech dive into BILSTEIN’s Black Hawk Powersports shocks. Using a cutaway model, the crew breaks down the adjustability and performance benefits of this cutting-edge suspension system. Whether you’re a hardcore off-road racer or just a fan of high-performance suspension, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!https://offroad.bilstein.com/en-us/products/black-hawk-powersports/

Send us a textThis week on Shock Talk, Junior and Steve are joined by Class 11 desert racer Cameron Brantz to explore the world of vintage VW Beetle racing. They break down the history of Class 11 in off-road racing, the unique challenges of competing in nearly stock Bugs, and Cameron’s journey as a racer. From brutal desert terrain to the camaraderie of the Class 11 community, this episode is packed with insight and passion for one of the most iconic racing classes in off-road.

Send us a textIn this episode of Shock Talk, hosts Mike and Shane welcome special guests Ryan and Miguel from BILSTEIN’s R&D team to explore the intricate world of shock test fitting and design. Discover the unique challenges of developing shocks for a variety of vehicles and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into ensuring a perfect fit.Ryan shares insights into his Sprinter van project, while Miguel talks about his hands-on experiences supporting BILSTEIN’s efforts at Baja races. This episode is packed with fascinating stories and technical expertise, offering a fresh perspective on the artistry of shock design. Don’t miss this deep dive into the foundation of ride performance!Vehicle Submission Form: https://web.bilsteinus.com/vehicle-submission 

Send us a textIn this thrilling episode of Shock Talk, hosts Mike and Shane welcome back-to-back Baja 1000 champion Justin Park. Justin shares jaw-dropping stories from this year's Baja 1000, reflects on the grit and strategy needed for a perfect racing season, and reveals what it takes to complete every grueling mile of Baja's legendary courses. But that’s not all—Justin also switches gears to share his expert tips for safe off-roading and winter travel, including how to navigate snowy terrain like a pro. Whether you're a desert racer or a winter trail enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.Available now on your favorite podcast platforms!

Send us a textIn this episode of Shock Talk, hosts Shane, Junior, and Nathan are joined by special guests Tyler and Evan Schmidt from Schmidty Racing Suspensions to talk about their dynamic new partnership with BILSTEIN. Tune in as they dive deep into the latest advancements in UTV suspension, focusing on the powerful BILSTEIN Black Hawk Powersports shocks. Tyler and Evan share insights on how these shocks enhance performance, stability, and comfort in even the toughest terrains. Whether you're hitting dunes, tackling trails, or seeking more control and finesse in your ride, this episode breaks down how equipping Black Hawk shocks can transform your UTV experience.