Folks Of Interest Engine builder Jack Merkel passes away

It is with profound sadness that I write this, my friend Jack Merkel passed away Sunday Jan 7 2018. Jack was an engine builder of many east coast gassers and modified cars, NHRA champion and record holder. He was inducted into the NHRA hall of fame at the Hot Rod Reunion in Epping NH. Jack never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always friendly, he will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Jack.

Pat

 

Sorry to hear that...

 

RIP Jack.....

 

Rest in peace sir....

 

My condolences to the family and his friends.

 

I remember Jack from his early days at NY's Westhampton Raceway. Always a D/G winner in his gray and salmon colored 55 Chevy. RIP Jack.

Gary

 

I hate to hear this news. He was a legend and we just lost a lot of knowledge. We are loosing a lot of the guys that I look up to from the gas class era.

 

Rest In Piece, Mr. Merkel

 

known him for 35 plus years, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Helped many people get their start in the buisness,a hard worker and a exceptional thinker out of the box.
The racing community lost a great one,no doubt.

 

What a shame. Great builder, great guy.

 

Well dam we are losing the good guys much too quickly. RIP Jack.

 

another legend gone.... rest in peace jack.

 

Thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP Jack.

 

He was always at the tracks on race day. At Islip I'd see him around all the time and he got paged, Jack Merkel, go see car # whatever. What is the status of the Willys? I know the restoration was started and almost completed.

 

I am very sorry to hear that Jack Merkel as died.
He was a real legend in the world of drag racing.

Jim Hill

 

Rest in Peace Jack Merkel. Very lucky to meet and talk with Jack at the Meltdown, and to have a small contribution to the restoration of his '39, thru Ron Norman. His name was found on several Willys race cars during the gasser heydays. I was always intrigued to see a gasser with running boards, and I asked Jack about it. He said "I needed the weight to stay in B/Gas, and out of the A/Gas class. Loved the '39...it was a special car, built by a special guy.

 

Bangshift has a nice tribute post today for Jack


https://bangshift.com/bangshift1320...rkel-died-stopped-ohio-george-small-block-65/

 

I dropped off a block off for a build I am doing at Jack's shop in early December. His son Scott said he wasn't doing well. Jack was always approachable and helpful.
Joe

 

I just seen this.
I'm Very sadden. What a Glorious & Awesome Man.
A True Perfectionist & Gentleman.
I would like to pass ago my Condolences to the Family.
Peace be with You Jack Merkel !
Bernie S.