An Interview with ‘Smokey’ Yunick
By Robert Bravender
Editor’s note: This interview was originally published in May 1995.
Henry “Smokey” Yunick is a figure so legendary in American automotive performance, he almost seems to be a creation of fiction. Leathered and lean, trademark short-brimmed cowboy hat on his head, pipe clenched in his teeth, Yunick made his name as a mechanic and crew chief in NASCAR, Indy 500, and drag racing. Always thinking outside the box, he bent rules so frequently his innovations would eventually go on to influence virtually every form of motorsports.…
