| Q: At what age did you begin working on motorcycles? | |
A: Around the age 10-11 on my grandmother's farm, I worked on some lawnmower type engines that eventually made their way into a scrap yard scooter. The first actual motorcycle I worked on was a Honda S-90 that I had bought while in high school. |
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| Q: When did you realize you had a knack for motors? | |
A: I had a real interest in engines and mechanical things at an early age. But, I did not realize that I possibly had a knack for building engines until around the end 1971, while competing at Lion's dragstrip. |
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| Q: What were your thoughts when you first met Terry? | |
| A: I first saw Terry at Lion's. He was a loud kid riding a slow motorcycle! I could beat him heads up, but he would whip my butt "big time" in bracket racing. |
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| Q: What race bike, that you built, are you most proud of? | |
A: That motorcycle would have to be the Vance & Hines double engine "Top Gas" bike. That really put Vance & Hines on the map as far winning races. We had 23 starts with 22 wins over a two year period. The one loss was caused by broken ignition rotor in rear engine magneto. The motorcycle is now on display at the NHRA museum in Pomona. Ironically, Terry and I never got to display the #1 plate the second year because the class was discontinued. |
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| Q: What would you be doing if you and Terry had never met? | |
A: Most likely working in a small, dimly lit garage somewhere wondering what the "hell" happened! To say that Terry has had a tremendous impact on my career would be a gross, gross understatement! |
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| Q: What was your most memorable win? | |
A: That would be a real tough one to pick! There are some special ones to be sure: Atco NJ- first win for Terry on the Pro-stock honda: Matt's first NHRA win at Denver: Andrew's first win at Gainesville on the V-rod, with Matt, Willie G. and Terry standing on the starting line. Special stuff! |
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| Q: How do you like being based in Indiana? | |
A: Indy is a great place to operate out of because of its central location, access to raw materials and local specialty suppliers. Motor sports in general thrives here. Travel to and from the race events is shorter and that allows us to have more shop time for bike preparation and customer support programs. |
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| Q: Did you ever think a Harley would be the first in the 6's? | |
A: Not really. I knew we had a shot at it, but I thought somebody else would slip in there before Andrew or GT. It was really a relief that our team got there first. And it's nice that it was a Harley-Davidson. One of the last milestones left in the pro-stock class, I'm glad our team got to accomplish it first. |
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| Q: Do you ever wish you had competed more as a rider? | |
A: Nope, not at all. The motorcycles that I prepared and got to ride, had more potential to win races than I did. Once you realize that, it's not to hard to put someone else on the seat. Don't get me wrong, I did have a lot of fun riding, but being on a winning team is just as rewarding. |
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| Q: Who's faster; Matt or Andrew? | |
A: Very interesting question. Both are very competitive and disciplined riders, and both would be scary fast on equal equipment. Experience to Matt, youth to Andrew, watch out for the fireworks in this match up! |
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| Q: Who did you look up to when you were growing up? | |
A: My Grandfather on my mothers side for sure, his name was John Junk. When I was younger, I did not fully realize the influence he would have on me, or the importance of it. As I grow older, I have come to appreciate it more and more. |
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| Q: What was your best subject in school? | |
A: Geometry and Algebra II. |
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| Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of? | |
A: Being happily married to my wife Janice for 34 years, along with raising three children who all share the same interests. |
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| Q: if you could have any other job in the world, what would it be? | |
A: I would love to have Terry's job! No, but seriously, I've always thought I could have been a doctor, having had the proper education, of course. |
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| Q: Where do you enjoy being the most? | |
A: That's a really tough question, so I'll answer it in two parts. I like being at the shop working when challenged with a really tough and interesting project but I also enjoy being at my ranch in Colorado, enjoying quiet and solitude. |
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| Q: What do you see yourself doing ten years from now? | |
A: Hanging out with Terry, going to some races to watch our teams compete. |
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| Q: What makes you laugh? | |
A: Now-a-days, it has to be the grand kids! They're so full of energy, it's just amazing. They always put a smile on your face. |
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| Q: What is in your CD player now? | |
A: A CD that Terry sent me. He challenged me to identify all the artists on it, so far I haven't. |
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| Q: What was the last movie you saw? | |
A: Million Dollar Baby. |
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| Q: What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? | |
A: Plain vanilla, thank you. |
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