SpeedSource Strengthens Engineering Staff, Hires Jeff Braun

Photo: John Dagys

SpeedSource has further strengthened its engineering department, announcing Thursday that it has hired veteran motorsports engineer and strategist Jeff Braun.

Braun, who is coming off a nearly five-year stint with Level 5 Motorsports, joins former GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing crew chief Link Smith as another recent addition to the Florida-based squad, which spearheaded development of the factory Mazda prototypes in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

“We have focused most of our energy over the past 24 months on development of the SKYACTIV diesel engine program,” explains Sylvain Tremblay, CEO at SpeedSource. “Parallel to the development that David Haskell and his team continue with the Mazda diesel engine program. Jeff and Link will build on the gains we’ve already made in our chassis program.

“The SKYACTIV diesel with its extremely high torque levels and lower RPM range offer a unique set of challenges. Link and Jeff both bring proven track records of innovation as evidenced by their impressive list of podiums, race wins and Championships.”

The addition of Braun brings the number of engineers at SpeedSource to seven. Marcus Shen will continue to serve as lead engineer.

“Having watched the phenomenal progress in their first four race events, I knew this was a serious engineering-based program,”Braun said. “And, it’s exciting to be part of an organization where I can put my race engineering experience to the ultimate test with this all-new project.

“This team exemplifies the ‘Never Stop Challenging’ spirit of Mazda that I had to try to compete against for many years, and now I am humbled to join this group of dedicated pros.”

SpeedSource is fresh off a season-best seventh place finish for Tremblay and Tom Long at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John