As a person who built several businesses from the ground up Top Fuel driver and entrepreneur Josh Hart knows how hard it is to get started. When crew member Dustin Ostaszewski mentioned he also had a dream to be a business owner Hart listened and immediately stepped in to help in 2023. Today, after almost two years of operation and growth Victor Machine Works, LLC, is completely in the hands of founder and full owner Ostazewski.
“Josh offered me a job working full-time on the race team a few years ago and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” said Ostaszewski. “He found out one of my long-term goals was to own a machine shop and start my own business. He immediately offered to help. There was no hesitation, and I can’t thank the Hart family enough for all the generosity they’ve shown me. They took a risk with me and helped guide me. Their support throughout this growth process has been amazing.”
Ostaszewski named Victor Machine Works LLC, as a tribute to his grandfather who was a shop foreman at Inland Steel, and convinced him to take shop class in high school. The passion for parts creation and machining stuck with the grandson ever since. The state-of-the-art machine shop is in Brownsburg, Indiana, at the heart of the drag racing capital of the world.
“What started with the dream of working on Top Fuel dragsters professionally, fed into the long-term dream of owning my own shop,” said Ostaszewski. “I started at the bottom and worked my way up over eleven years. I worked at multiple companies in Northwest Indiana and the opportunity to go out on my own would not have been possible without Josh’s support.”
Victor Machine Works, LLC, machines parts ranging from prototypes to mid volume production. The shop uses Okuma equipment including a dual spindle and live tool lathe. The product and part possibilities are endless for the growing shop. Their ability to reverse engineer broken parts, work from blueprints, fabricate from sample parts, or work with a client and create a brand-new piece has Victor Machine Works set up for success.
“I am very proud of what Dustin has built, and it has been a real pleasure to work with him over the past two years to grow his business,” said Hart. “I am thrilled he is totally on his own now and everyone in my family is so happy we were able to help make his dream come true.”
This move and announcement is a continuation of Hart’s goal through this personal and business transition in his own life. Recently Hart announced the sale of his Top Fuel operation to Elite Motorsports, and he has been named the new Top Fuel driver for John Force Racing starting in 2026. As the news was released Hart was adamant, he would work with his existing team members to assist in their transition, and this is Hart continuing to do what he says he will do. The divestment from financial support with Victor Machine Works comes on the heels of Hart facilitating the move of crew chief Jason “Jake” McCulloch to the championship contending SCAG Top Fuel team.
This story was originally published on October 30, 2025. 
