Jack Merkel passing
 

Jack Merkel passed away early last week. I didn't see it posted anywhere here, so I thought I'd pass the sad news around for those who didn't know. He was a longtime engine builder and racer (ran gassers in the early days) out of Long Island, NY. I'm sure many of you guys know all of this. His shop is still open and operated by his sons.
I know when my dad ran small block Chevys back in the 70's & 80's, that's where he took his stuff to get serviced.

Re: Jack Merkel passing
 

So sorry to hear of his passing. Jack Merkel was the Charlie Buck and Sonny Leonard of the early 60's in Division One. I used to look forward to watching the Supercharged Match Races at Englishtown whenever they had them. He did a set of heads for my 348 Chevy back in '65. He was way ahead of his time with Supercharged Small Blocks. I remember driving thru the city to his shop in Ridgewood Queens with VITAR Transmissions in the same building. RIP Jack. Thanks Joe Fasano