What happend to Herman Chapman

Rick Carlson · 12-04-2010, 01:24 AM

Herman built my 283 when I started "serious" racing in the 70's. Fast enough to set the record at Thunder Valley at a D5 race. I remember going to teardown at Rapp Chevrolet and pulling out my "toolbox" (which looked a lot like a fishing tackle box). Lotsa people looked and laughed, but Herman just smiled and said that I'd be "allright". Got the engine back together around 4 AM, then headed to the hotel in Sioux Falls. An hour and a half of sleep then back to the track. Herman looked everything over, had me start it up, he ran the valves, and we were faster than before teardown. While Herman was doing this, Virginia was talking to my wife, explaining that racing wasn't always this hectic...and that a full night's sleep wasn't necessary. They made sure that their customers felt like "family."

Rick Carlson
D7 & Lucas Drag Boat announcer

12-04-2010, 01:24 AM	#8
Rick Carlson Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Laurel Fork, VA, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Posts: 57 Likes: 2 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What happend to Herman Chapman Herman built my 283 when I started "serious" racing in the 70's. Fast enough to set the record at Thunder Valley at a D5 race. I remember going to teardown at Rapp Chevrolet and pulling out my "toolbox" (which looked a lot like a fishing tackle box). Lotsa people looked and laughed, but Herman just smiled and said that I'd be "allright". Got the engine back together around 4 AM, then headed to the hotel in Sioux Falls. An hour and a half of sleep then back to the track. Herman looked everything over, had me start it up, he ran the valves, and we were faster than before teardown. While Herman was doing this, Virginia was talking to my wife, explaining that racing wasn't always this hectic...and that a full night's sleep wasn't necessary. They made sure that their customers felt like "family." Rick Carlson D7 & Lucas Drag Boat announcer