Jack Merkel passing

Carl Juliano · 01-13-2018, 12:53 PM

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.

Joe Fasano · 01-14-2018, 08:21 PM

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

01-13-2018, 12:53 PM	#1
Carl Juliano Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Queens, NYC Posts: 287 Likes: 198 Liked 62 Times in 22 Posts	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. __________________ Carl Juliano TS 1275 John Juliano SG 151 Carl Sr.

01-14-2018, 08:21 PM	#2
Joe Fasano Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Naples Florida Posts: 296 Likes: 4 Liked 235 Times in 42 Posts	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