ROM GROWING up at the track to paving his own path in the racing world , Matt Latino has steadily grown his involvement in drag racing . “ My dad has been drag racing for as long as I can remember . I was practically born and raised at the racetrack ,” Latino reflects .

Latino ’ s own journey began at age five with go-karts , where he competed until age 12 , when his father , Eric Latino , shifted to outlaw Pro Modified racing . Together , they attended local Canadian tracks , and by 13 , Matt was part of his father ’ s pit crew .

“ I learned a lot in those early years ,” Latino shares . “ I was folding parachutes , checking valve lash , adjusting clutch counterweights , and setting base pressure . It was hands-on learning in the best way .”

As his father progressed into the NHRA ranks , Matt remained an integral part of the team , traveling to every race and gaining deeper insight into the sport . At 16 , he returned to the driver ’ s seat , racing his ‘ 64 Plymouth Valiant , which he fondly describes as “ the ultimate sleeper .” Alongside driving , he honed his mechanical skills , tackling motor swaps , installing nitrous kits , and porting cylinder heads .

At just 18 , Matt opened Anything Customs , his own custom automotive shop . “ We took on everything , from custom stereos to nitrous kits and engine swaps . Hence the name , Anything Customs ,” Latino explains . Simultaneously managing his business and racing , he also pursued a Pro Street car project with a ‘ 73 Duster , transforming it into a certified raceready machine .

For the last three years , Latino has focused on promoting and expanding his family ’ s high-performance emissions business , Global Emissions Systems Inc . ( GESi ).

“ We manufacture EPA-compliant catalytic converters , allowing high-performance vehicles to be both street-legal and powerful ,” he explains . “ I work directly with exhaust manufacturers to demonstrate that performance doesn ’ t have to come at the expense of compliance . You can be fast , street-legal , and compliant .”

Latino ’ s role in Global Emission Systems has been pivotal in business development , where he ’ s grown the company through partnerships with leading exhaust manufacturers worldwide .

“ A lot of these partnerships stem from connections within the motorsports community ,” he adds , underlining the value of his B2B relationships . “ I ’ m looking to bring that same drive and network to my racing career , where I hope to secure a sponsor who sees my dedication to both the business and racing worlds .”

What ’ s next ? Latino has high hopes for a two-car Pro Stock team in the 2025 NHRA season . “ I ’ ve always wanted to be in a car ,” Latino shares . “ Running my business at 18 took priority then , and for the past five years , managing our high-performance brand has been my main focus . But now , with our company ’ s growth , we have both the resources and facilities , particularly with the recent acquisition of KB Racing , to make this a reality .”

With his business thriving and a solid family foundation , Latino feels the timing is finally right . “ I ’ m married , we have a daughter , our home , and our company is positioned to support this next step . Now is the perfect time to jump in .” – ALLIE HARTMAN DI

144 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 191