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Gary Smith · 11-28-2007, 01:31 AM

Mike,

I was obsessed with Modified as a kid and was devastated when NHRA dropped the category (so much for dreaming I guess). Always wanted to be part of what you, Merc, Surles, Kopp, McDonald, Cannon, Hutchens, and a host of others did back then. IMO you and Merc were to Modified like John Force is to F/C.

Anyway I was lucky enough to see Merc debut the (I believe) '62 Vette in '79 running either B/MP or C/MP at Pomona. I remember going to OCIR on the Saturday before the Winters with dad and seeing the Vette with the motor out and Paul up to his elbows in grease and oil (and his dobermann tied to the trailer!!) I was amazed how fast he put it back together and see it run. Tom Turner/Ronnie Wong Vette and Coonce/Clark Vega were there testing as well. What a real treat that was!!!

Would love to see photos of the Vette again, if possible.

11-28-2007, 01:31 AM	#17
Gary Smith Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 820 Likes: 9 Liked 132 Times in 30 Posts	Re: Team "Check Mate" Mike, I was obsessed with Modified as a kid and was devastated when NHRA dropped the category (so much for dreaming I guess). Always wanted to be part of what you, Merc, Surles, Kopp, McDonald, Cannon, Hutchens, and a host of others did back then. IMO you and Merc were to Modified like John Force is to F/C. Anyway I was lucky enough to see Merc debut the (I believe) '62 Vette in '79 running either B/MP or C/MP at Pomona. I remember going to OCIR on the Saturday before the Winters with dad and seeing the Vette with the motor out and Paul up to his elbows in grease and oil (and his dobermann tied to the trailer!!) I was amazed how fast he put it back together and see it run. Tom Turner/Ronnie Wong Vette and Coonce/Clark Vega were there testing as well. What a real treat that was!!! Would love to see photos of the Vette again, if possible.