For a better future, study the past.
For a better future, study the past.
For racing fans, a visit to Daytona Beach, Florida is a bucket list item. In addition to visiting Daytona International Speedway, there are a multitude of racing related spots for fans to seek out. One of those is the Smokey Yunick historic marker located at Riverside Park in Holly Hill.
Smokey Yunick is a name that transcends motorsports. Smokey was not only a driver, but rather, he was more a behind the scenes personality, being best known as an expert mechanic and engine builder, who was not afraid to take risks in an attempt to gain horsepower and speed. His career is most associated with NASCAR where cars he helped prepare won the Daytona 500 in 1961 and 1962, national driving championships in 1951 and 1953, and numerous other accolades. His abilities stretched further however, and he served as chief mechanic for Jim Rathmann when he won the 1960 Indianapolis 500.
Yunick worked with some of the all-time great racers including Bobby Allison, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, A. J. Foyt, and many others.
Around the Daytona Beach area, Yunick was known for his “Best Damn Garage in Town,” which he opened in 1947, after having served in the Air Force during World War II. Yunick would close the garage in 1987 and his descendants sold the property in 2003. The last remaining building burned to the ground in 2011.
Career accolades include induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2000.
Smokey Yunick passed away May 9, 2001 from leukemia. An online memorial can be found HERE.
On August 24, 2023, a marker to Yunick was dedicated. It sits close to the former location of his “best damn garage in town.” Located on Smokey Yunick Way in Riverside Park, it is near the intersection of Riverside Drive and 2nd Street.
Text on the marker reads:
Legendary NASCAR mechanic, crew chief & owner, Henry “Smokey” Yunick’s (May 25, 1923 – May 9, 2001) famous garage stood just south of this spot from 1947 – 2001. He was a self taught mechanical genius who excelled in all forms of auto racing winning the Daytona 500 in 1961 and 1962. Indianapolis 500 winner in 1960. The innovations and designs Smokey invented here improved performance of race cars and passenger vehicles over several decades. The last remnant of the garage burned on April 25, 2011. Memorialized in conjunction with the City of Holly Hill, Florida and concept by the members of the Motor Racing Heritage Association.
Use Google Maps to find the location.
