Smokey Yunick

About

Racecar designer, automotive part inventor, mechanic, and driver who was a key figure in the first years of NASCAR racing. He was also a recognized inventor, holding twelve patents, and experimented with alternate energy.

Before Fame

He began building and racing motorcycles during his teen years, and he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a bomber pilot during World War II.

Trivia

He opened his garage-- Smokey's Best Damn Garage in Town-- in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1947. His excellent reputation as a mechanic introduced him to local stock car drivers who, in turn, encouraged him to become involved in racing.

Family Life

He grew up on a Pennsylvania farm and, in 1946, married and relocated to Florida. In 1984 he released an autobiography called Smokey's Power Secrets.

Associated With

He and racecar driver Craig Breedlove were both inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.