"Say, Smokey"

[Torque-Tube]

Been interested in all things mechanical since the 50's.

Think the Golden Age of Western Civilization was between '57 and '69.

Would like to see a statue of Smokey Yunick in Daytona Beach.

[power58]

I agree. Smokey was one of a kind. I used to read his "Say Smokey" articles in Popular Science mags. I also Liked Gus Wilson stories. Do you have Smokeys books ? Good reading. I got the hard cover since that all they had, they have a soft cover now. Glad to have you aboard. Aint nothin like being on a farm. Take Care Don

[luckyuhaul]

Hi, This is my intro post, I live in Daytona,,my daughter lives two blocks from his old shop. It is now over-shadowed by giant condos, right at the Halifax River. His shop may be partially torn down. I attended the auction after his death, they didn't wait long.In a few days most everything was sold, not on the cheap either.
I always got the feeling he wasn't much liked here by the "powers that be", maybe because of the sign out front of his shop, more likely his outspoken manner.
Ormond boasts"the Birthplace of Speed" on their city signs, but there is only one small machine shop in the whole area.
You are more likely to see a gold statue of Bill France, than of Smokey in the near future. There may be a bronze bust of him somewhere, maybe at the Speedway, but I'm not sure.
I interviewed with him for a maintenance job at his shop shortly before his death, but that's another story. Thanks.Ron

[Torque-Tube]

Don, I do have his books, great stories.. I also keep the audio version of it as read by John Delorean in my cars... great way to pass some time especially when stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.

Ron, I wish I could have met him... I always love to hear a Smokey story. I was fortunate enough to get one of Smokey's 63 Tempest engines from his shop and a NOS 4spd transmission that was still in the box. I'm going to set them up as a freestanding display drivetrain of a 1963 Tempest Transaxle. What better one to have than one that belonged to Smokey Yunick.

PS Sad but likely true about the statue of France.

[luckyuhaul]

It took quite a while to get the interview scheduled. It seemed he was always in Jacksonville or Tallahassee for his medical problems. When I finally did meet him, he had on the familiar white overalls and hat and pipe. Up close you could see that the white overalls were quite filthy.
His office was literally bar-room dark, with 2 of the biggest mongrols laying on an old back seat gnawing on giant bones, the dogs were so ugly I could not reconize the breed.
He actually told me I was too young for the job, ( I was in my forties) and said I would stay awhile then leave for more money. The job only paid $5.00 something an hour, but I didn't care as my wife made plenty for both of us. All I was thinking was "build me a killer street small-block and I'll be happy), but the words never came out.We went over what the place needed maintenance wise (plenty)., shook hands and a promise to call. The call never came, he passed away with-in two weeks and like an awe struck kid,never got a picture or autograph. The timing was never right for either so I didn't bring it up, but wish I had now.
Damn, I just wanted to get my mitts on all that cool equipment, probably would have done the job for free. Ended up at a machine shop pounding out M-16 upper receivers for $16.00 an hour, but still wished I had gotten that job at "The Best Damn Garage in Town".
luckyuhaul.

[Torque-Tube]

It would have been worth it to pay him $5/hr just to tag along and listen to whatever he had to say at the moment. When I picked up my engine, I got to spend some time in his compound, office, shops etc.. I'll never forget it.

[power58]

Great Stories from you both. I love Pontiacs and thought it was great how he made them run. A 63 Tempest Engine and trans. Fantastic. The Maint job would have been great like you said. From the photos in his books it looked like a motorsports museum.
I had heard that his will stipulated that upon his death the entire shop be destroyed and the land sold. His Son complied with his wishes. Looking forward to seeing Photos of the engine and trans when you can .