Known as “Mr. Clutch,” this driveline technology authority is now helping take one of the industry’s top brands into off-road racing.

This past July, Will Baty joined Anaheim, California-based McLeod Racing as off-road and research and development specialist. McLeod, which marked its 50th year in 2021, is making a foray into the growing world of off-road racing. 

People who know Baty call him “Mr. Clutch,” a name he picked up while working at Centerforce Performance Clutch. He brings more than three decades of clutch and driveline research, development, and engineering to his new role. Just as critically, Baty brings to his new job a passion for racing that began when he witnessed his first Top Fuel race as a young child.  

PRI recently spoke with Baty about the challenges of taking a manufacturer into a new racing segment. One question, however, just had to be asked first.

PRI: They call you “Mr. Clutch.” When and how did you earn that nickname?

Baty: Around 2014, our agency rep gave me that name after going on sales calls and listening to me talk with customers. There is now a decal of my face out there titled “Mr. Clutch” that Ashton Robinson designed. Several racers have that decal on their vehicles. It still cracks me up to see it. There might be a certain Funny Car out there that just could have that decal on it soon.

PRI: What are you most looking forward to in this new role at McLeod Racing?

Baty: It’s hard to pick just one thing. When you are asked to be part of the largest aftermarket clutch company in our industry, that’s quite an honor. I have this passion to design and engineer, so if I can contribute and help our McLeod Racing team solidify the number-one spot and grow new product into other areas of our industry, that spells fun to me.

PRI: Describe this new role and why it’s important to the racing industry.

Baty: My role has a few layers to it. Number one is to utilize all the Wharton Automotive Group brands—McLeod Racing, FTI Performance and now Silver Sport Transmissions—to help our engineering teams refine, design and develop top-quality product for the end user. 

PRI: Why the focus on off-road racing and R&D?

Baty: Off-roading is one of my passions. McLeod Racing has a perfect opportunity to make a splash in the off-road segment. I believe the collaboration with our sister brands will help us soon become the “one-stop” off-road driveline company that the end user is looking for. R&D is what I have been doing for the past 34 years in the clutch industry. Together, as a team, we become one innovative driving force in all areas of the driveline.

PRI: What do you see as the biggest challenges ahead of you?

Baty: The biggest challenge is that McLeod Racing really isn’t known in the off-road part of the industry—yet. I kind of like it that way, though. We have a semi-blank canvas to work with here. We know the challenges with certain applications, and what is needed for most applications, so this approach could result in high-quality products right out of the box.

PRI: What are your top strategic goals for the next 12 months?

Baty: Not to give up too much information at this point, but the goal is to introduce McLeod Racing to the off-road industry with quality product for the off-road and overland communities.

PRI: What is your most gratifying professional accomplishment?

Baty: There are several moments, after all these years in this industry, where I have gained some fantastic friends. I’ve had experiences and gone to places that some people only dream of. I have been on SEMA’s MPMC select committee. I have won an NHRA Wally award. Now, I am part of the McLeod Racing team. I sit here a pretty blessed individual.

PRI: Who has played an integral role in your professional development?

Baty: There are several people to thank here, but my mentor in the clutch industry was none other than the man I would call “The Clutch Professor,” Bill Hays. Bill’s mind and way of design were completely different. We had to always think outside the box and look at the entire driveline. He would quiz us all the time on his own ideas, on why they would or wouldn’t work. I have stories and stories working with Bill. The experience and knowledge I gained just can’t be taught in a classroom. I miss that guy.

Will Baty

Title: 

Off-Road and Research and Development Specialist

Organization: 

McLeod Racing

Hometown: 

Prescott, Arizona

Fast fact:

Will Baty experienced drag racing for the first time as a seven-year-old. “My dad had taken me to my first drag race at Pomona. He told me to stand by the railing when the Top Fuel guys made a pass. I was instantly hooked—and I might have peed a little, too! After that, we never missed another race at Pomona.”