Henry "Smokey" Yunick was an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 mechanic and car designer associated with motorsports

Auto racing

Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...

. Yunick was deeply involved in the early years of NASCAR

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...

, and he is probably most associated with that racing genre. He participated as a racer, designer, and held other jobs related to the sport, but was best known as a mechanic, builder, and crew chief.

He was renowned as an opinionated character who "was about as good as there ever was on engines," according to Marvin Panch

Marvin Panch

Marvin Panch Marvin Panch Marvin Panch (born May 28, 1926, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, is a former NASCAR driver.-Early career:He started his racing career as a car owner in Oakland, California. One week, his driver did not show up, and he raced the car to a third place finish...

, who drove stock cars for Yunick and won the 1961 Daytona 500

1961 Daytona 500

The 1961 Daytona 500 was won by Marvin Panch, who originally did not have a ride entering the 500, wasdriving a 1960 Pontiac on February 26, 1961. Panch drove the number 20 to victory in three hours and 20 minutes. The race was run in its entirety without a single caution flag. Panch took the...

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