One of the greats is gone.

charlie westcott · 01-11-2023, 09:59 AM

I dont want to be the guy that uses a tragedy as an excuse to talk to a crowd, but I wanted to say a couple things about a man that directly affected my life in a way that only my Dad did otherwise.

Dan Jesel was a man that I looked up to, considered a friend, advisor, sounding board, confidant, and a role model. When he would call me, the first word after "hello" was "Jesel" as if to announce himself. We would sometimes talk about a project, politics, racing, customers, whatever. He was a private guy, that wasnt looking for recognition, or accolades, he just had a target, and whatever that was this time, he would do anything to win. A true racer/problem solver.

We went to his shop in about 05. I got to see what its like to be a legit racing business, and have tried to follow that example. He showed me what was the best, and I have never forgot, or stopped trying to get there.

Another racer once said "If you're a bad ***, you dont need to tell anyone"

People that are actually leaders, dont need a badge, you follow them because you can sense that they are someone you should. Something that is good advice that I learned from working with my dad at a young age, and is there with every succesful business is do what you say you are going to do, and do it well. Nobody wants to hear excuses.

I Thanked Dan this summer for everything he has done for me, I also sent him a text the other night, that I am now sure that he didnt get. I am only using this platform so I can let everyone else know that I was proud to know this great man, and I wouldnt be who I am without meeting him.

cw

EMMONS BROS. · 01-11-2023, 01:22 PM

Well said, Charlie. Great post.

Mike Jones · 01-11-2023, 03:34 PM

https://www.jesel.com/our-story

Charles Stewart · 01-11-2023, 04:35 PM

And how about his equal V8 creation that we should not forget...
https://www.enginelabs.com/engine-te...-12000-rpm-v8/

Tom P · 01-11-2023, 06:25 PM

Great guy for sure. And certainly a legendary drag racing businessman. I see in that story his shop was at Duffy's, So did Jesel actually make the Duffy's FE Ford to Cleveland intake adapter? I'd never seen one, not much Duffy's stuff out west.

One of the interesting bits from that "Our story" page is that Ed Iskenderian sold Dan the rocker extrusions. Hard to believe Isky is still going at 101 while so many of his younger peers aren't around any more.

SSDA Hemi · 01-11-2023, 06:59 PM

Rest in Peace Dan. Being local to Jesel was always a pleasure to pick parts up in person and see what Dan was tinkering with or get to speak to him.

I always heard of the story of Danny helping local racers with one-off projects or innovative creations to gain an advantage. Dan helped many racers.... Clearly one of the good ones and my trip to lakewood will never be the same. Godspeed Dan and thanks for all your help......

Very sad day

Mark Yacavone · 01-12-2023, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom P

Great guy for sure. And certainly a legendary drag racing businessman. I see in that story his shop was at Duffy's, So did Jesel actually make the Duffy's FE Ford to Cleveland intake adapter? I'd never seen one, not much Duffy's stuff out west.

No. I don't think so, Tom. That shop behind Duffy's was kinda small. I don't think Danny did anything like that in that time period.
Bob probably sourced them through a Ford racer, knowing him.

RIP, Danny

Mike Jones · 01-12-2023, 09:00 AM

I remember an ad in ND back in the late 70`s (I think) announcing something big was coming from Jesel. I was working in a garage and we were replacing timing chains/ gears all the time. Mostly Pontiacs. Then the new Jesel Belt Drive for SBC appears. A belt instead of a chain? Pretty shocking news then.

01-11-2023, 09:59 AM	#1
charlie westcott Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 131 Likes: 0 Liked 218 Times in 7 Posts	One of the greats is gone. I dont want to be the guy that uses a tragedy as an excuse to talk to a crowd, but I wanted to say a couple things about a man that directly affected my life in a way that only my Dad did otherwise. Dan Jesel was a man that I looked up to, considered a friend, advisor, sounding board, confidant, and a role model. When he would call me, the first word after "hello" was "Jesel" as if to announce himself. We would sometimes talk about a project, politics, racing, customers, whatever. He was a private guy, that wasnt looking for recognition, or accolades, he just had a target, and whatever that was this time, he would do anything to win. A true racer/problem solver. We went to his shop in about 05. I got to see what its like to be a legit racing business, and have tried to follow that example. He showed me what was the best, and I have never forgot, or stopped trying to get there. Another racer once said "If you're a bad ***, you dont need to tell anyone" People that are actually leaders, dont need a badge, you follow them because you can sense that they are someone you should. Something that is good advice that I learned from working with my dad at a young age, and is there with every succesful business is do what you say you are going to do, and do it well. Nobody wants to hear excuses. I Thanked Dan this summer for everything he has done for me, I also sent him a text the other night, that I am now sure that he didnt get. I am only using this platform so I can let everyone else know that I was proud to know this great man, and I wouldnt be who I am without meeting him. cw

01-11-2023, 01:22 PM	#2
EMMONS BROS. Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 48 Likes: 76 Liked 148 Times in 17 Posts	Re: One of the greats is gone. Well said, Charlie. Great post.

01-11-2023, 03:34 PM	#3
Mike Jones VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,110 Likes: 1,166 Liked 660 Times in 283 Posts	Re: One of the greats is gone. https://www.jesel.com/our-story

01-11-2023, 04:35 PM	#4
Charles Stewart Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Rivière-du-Loup, (QC) Canada Posts: 276 Likes: 1,107 Liked 480 Times in 145 Posts	Re: One of the greats is gone. And how about his equal V8 creation that we should not forget... https://www.enginelabs.com/engine-te...-12000-rpm-v8/

01-11-2023, 06:25 PM	#5
Tom P Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 696 Likes: 28 Liked 217 Times in 88 Posts	Re: One of the greats is gone. Great guy for sure. And certainly a legendary drag racing businessman. I see in that story his shop was at Duffy's, So did Jesel actually make the Duffy's FE Ford to Cleveland intake adapter? I'd never seen one, not much Duffy's stuff out west. One of the interesting bits from that "Our story" page is that Ed Iskenderian sold Dan the rocker extrusions. Hard to believe Isky is still going at 101 while so many of his younger peers aren't around any more.

01-11-2023, 06:59 PM	#6
SSDA Hemi Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 481 Likes: 123 Liked 428 Times in 66 Posts	Re: One of the greats is gone. Rest in Peace Dan. Being local to Jesel was always a pleasure to pick parts up in person and see what Dan was tinkering with or get to speak to him. I always heard of the story of Danny helping local racers with one-off projects or innovative creations to gain an advantage. Dan helped many racers.... Clearly one of the good ones and my trip to lakewood will never be the same. Godspeed Dan and thanks for all your help...... Very sad day __________________ 1924 A/DA

01-12-2023, 09:00 AM	#8
Mike Jones VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,110 Likes: 1,166 Liked 660 Times in 283 Posts	Re: One of the greats is gone. I remember an ad in ND back in the late 70`s (I think) announcing something big was coming from Jesel. I was working in a garage and we were replacing timing chains/ gears all the time. Mostly Pontiacs. Then the new Jesel Belt Drive for SBC appears. A belt instead of a chain? Pretty shocking news then.