Karol Miller and Y- Blocks

all these things were done in an era when most of us were proud of any " regular guy " who was successful regardless of " brand " he was one my heroes and i was driving and racing chevys at the time...

 

That group shot of the dragsters at Freeway Dragstrip actually has Ray Canton being labeled at "Karol Miller".

 

A long bump but after finding this thread I registered to pass along a nice encounter, actually many, with Karol.

We've been chatting regularly while watching trains at a local crossing (everybody loves big power!) and I just recently learned his full name and background in the world of speed and tuning. He's always been intrigued by a motorcycle I ride to train-spot and asked mechanical questions that made me wonder 'how's this guy know so much about engines?'. Well, it all makes a bit more sense now.

Great article to highlight the work of an ingenious and humble gentlemen, and quality comments. Looking forward to my next "track-side" discussion with Karol.

 

Now, THAT'S cool as Hell,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

What's your bike ?

 

Ducati MTS1100S Multistrada - probably a year ago he knew of and was asking about the "Desmodromic" (positive closure) valve train unique to the brand. He even educated me on the earlier history of Desmo in vintage Mercedes Benz race cars.

Yesterday the topic was the dual-spark system in the bike's L-twin, and as we were parting his '57 Ford and Bonneville run came up in passing and he popped me a card. The Internet dished up the fuller story. Good stuff.

 

That's cool. I was one of those kids in the early sixties reading about Karol, Jim Thatcher, Bill Edwards Knott Farrington and so many others in Spotlight books, Car Life, and Hot Rod, was totally in awe of those guys, but I didn't know this bit of info about him. Cool stuff.

 

I see that Hamb member Old Wolf hasn't bothered to weigh in here with his tired old " Y Blocks are boat anchors" rhetoric .
A great story and nice to hear that Karol is still around and kicking. I bet he could tell some interesting tales.

 

hell, he doesn't have to, EVERYBODY knows THAT!

 

Thanks George

 

hey, its the least I can do...

 

Bump, just because.

 

Karol is doing fine living north of Austin Texas with his wife of many years and near his daughter and grand children. We stop and see him every time we visit our own daughter in Florida. His original 56 rotted away many years ago but its replica is in his garage complete with Bonneville Timing Tags on the dash. The engine is one of Ted Eaton’s with dyno charts on his web site.
He was one of my hero’s growing up and to meet and become friends with him when I was older is a time in my life I’ll never forget.