Leonard Wood's Workshop: Half Size Holley Carb and Ford 429 Hemi Project! (Wood Brothers Racing)

[@Stapleton42]

Someday when I’m older I’m gonna remember days like this fondly. To be in a situation where we’re able to share it with the world is even better. We appreciate all of you and let’s keep history alive! Merch link: stapletonautoworks.com

[@jamesemmeneckersr.1875]

Wow... An amazing man !

[@bigwhiteslow]

It saddens me to think that his whole generation is almost gone. Such impressive people. I'm 55 and even my generation doesn't match the skill and ingenuity of those older guys. I'm jealous of you being able to pick these guys brains. Also, kudos to you, as a younger guy, for recognizing and appreciating the unique opportunity you've created.

[@cliffordclaussen2321]

@@bigwhiteslow I second that. I could set for hours and just listen to the stories and knowledge just pour out of these guys.

[@craigjillson6050]

I watched the long version of this. Very cool.

[@sfi382]

Keep up the great work love seeing racing history old shops and old tracks thanks

[@TanDawg58]

The Genius of Leonard Wood is incredible. 89 years of age and still building stuff

[@SLOCLMBR]

That 1/2 scale engine is absolutely awesome.

[@NCFREEMAN]

And sharp as a razor

[@larryspiller6633]

Exactly right on his genius. Soft spoken and an artist as much as a machinist/mechanic. Wish I had a fraction of his abilities.

[@GeneFrings-dt6ki]

This was great. What a amazing man.

[@jonathanbewley6505]

I think you're doing an extremely important thing speaking with old timers and getting their knowledge on film. It's a form of encyclopedia.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Jonathan we appreciate you!

[@joshhuffine4522]

Leonard Wood is a National treasure!

[@SLOCLMBR]

Yea, when your space in a Nascar team shop is called a 'play room'

[@Stapleton42]

A life well lived if you ask me

[@tommytr]

I got lucky to meet Leonard at an oval 1/10 scale RC track years ago. A friend would get a call from Leonard and he would go race his remote control nitro RC cars. He pulled up in a solid white Aerostar van and when he opened the doors it was full of racked custom chassis' 1/10 scale nitro oval remote control face cars. We raced either 250 or 500 laps. He let Robin try out multiple of the chassis' and let him pick out a few to race. In the end Leonard insisted on which chassis we would use for the race, needless to say we won easily and thank goodness I did not mess up during pit stops for refueling.

[@jonwood8282]

There are smart people.There are wise people.THEN there is Leonard Wood.He has an amazing mind.More Leonard Wood please.

[@jasonjackson5493]

The smartest team Nascar has ever seen and ever will see!

[@davidjean6753]

My father was a crewman for Neil Bonnett's team in the late 60's and early to mid 70's. He got to know the Woods brothers over the years working in the pits. He said they were two of the most honorable men ever in Nascar. He said not only would they beat you but they would do it with honor, class and fair and square. Never heard the man say one bad thing about the Woods brothers over the years. I met them as young boy at Neil's funeral. Considering the circumstances they were both very nice gentlemen and I have been a fan ever since.

[@Garagebuilt70]

Someday we won't have guys like this with us anymore, Thank you for keeping them alive forever. Another GREAT video.

[@Stapleton42]

Our pleasure!

[@ryanfolks6024]

What a great show! I highly recommend people to go visit the museum / shop in Stuart, VA. I was there earlier this year when Leonard and another machinist were machining block and intake for the mini engine. Leonard and the rest of the Woods are some of the kindest people in the world. Made my wife and I feel like we were family when we stopped by. What an honor it was to visit an important piece of NASCAR history and meet a Hall of Famer in Leonard.

[@williamhayter2998]

Thank you for your dedication to bringing these videos to the public. I'm 75 years old and have lived thru this era ! The Wood brothers have always been innovative and someone ahead of their time. VERY INTERESTING !

[@TonyR-e9j]

I give this man credit I found this website and already taught this old dog couple new tricks thanks sir.

[@mrvette83]

A buddy and I stopped by Wood Bros shop on the Saturday October 29th, 2022 on our way to the Martinsville Xfinity race. We were just walking around looking at the cars and out walked Leonard. Asking Benny for an 11/32 drill bit. He was walking back and forth from the main room to the back machine shop. We were given a tour by Benny and Len and got a chance to see the heads for this 1/2 scale engine. One was little more than the bare slab of aluminum with the General shape of a head to it. The other was a few steps further into the machining process. Leonard began to chat us up like we were childhood friends of his. That stop Saturday morning was the highlight of our weekend(including Ross Chastain’sasr lap move Sunday). We have our tickets in hand and can’t wait to visit the race shop again this year and see how he’s coming along. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man! The Wood family are some great people

[@joeyg8172]

I could honestly listen to Mr Wood tell stories all day long. What he achieved through shear perseverance is fascinating and should inspire future generations!

[@Stapleton42]

Me too!

[@JaredR1996]

You can always count on Mitchell and Logan to provide us the absolute best NASCAR content when it comes to the history of NASCAR. As always love the videos. Keep it up

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we will!

[@multitoolish]

Imagine Leonard Wood saying your the best machinist in the world!? Amazing video and a document of history. Thank you for this!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@jimhaines8370]

A true gentleman of auto racing and a talented mechanic and Machinist The parts the machinist made are jewel like precision excellent work and skill

[@jimhaines8370]

I also heard on a interview of the brothers back then that when ford paid for them to go do pit stops at Indy they learned the open wheel guys had been measuring tires and real mindful of stagger and kept that a secret as long as they could when they went back home but it really helped out

[@jameswright5982]

This wonderful gentleman has more knowledge than college instructors could wish for!

[@addicted4life575]

OMG, that dude takes tinkering to a whole new level.

[@LordHolley]

Really enjoyed hearing this gentleman speak. I think it's great that you're documenting stuff like this kind of history.

[@fastfreddie5754]

He is amazing .His talents are beyond belief.

[@robstewart5995]

This video was riveting! Leonard wood is amazing and inspirational. I remember the scene so well with Richard Petty walking down to Leonard woods pit, putting his arm around Leonard's shoulder and escorting him to the Winnners circle for his last Daytona 500 win. That was one of the sweetest wins. I've ever witnessed to see the 21 car back in the Winner circle. And to think of the history in that shop great job,keep up the good work and don't change the thing.

[@JerseyFrank007]

This video brought me to tears and made me laugh out loud nearly at the same time. This was EPIC. Thanks for reminding the world of what true talent, passion and drive looks like. A stark reminder....when an elderly person of a high caliber speaks...you better damn well stop what you're doing and listen. God bless this man.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you sir!

[@johnhargis4566]

Well worded btw the late David Pearson said the Wood bros were the smartest people in racing

[@administrator7573]

Well said.

[@taco472]

You took the words out of my mouth.

[@taco472]

WOW just WOW. One of if not my favorite all time race teams, and to listen to Leonard Wood talk and see what he is doing, next best to meeting him in person. Thanks for what you are doing.

[@georgedreisch2662]

This stuff is awesome! I’m 62, but, this flashes me back to my younger years in the -60’s & 70’s, and having elders that saw the last century roll over, relate their experiences back in times way long gone, now. Too much history and lessons lost. Thanks for this Mitchell and Logan

[@robcates2383]

Hey Mitchell, don't let the dregs, get to you!! Those of us that are interested will keep watching, will keep coming back! BTW, I had never ever heard of STREAMLINED HEADERS, headers emptying into a box, WOW!

[@dustinjanes]

Mitchel and Logan. Thank you for bringing this true piece of history. Leonard is a true craftsman A one of one

[@davidgraham7325]

Genius

[@davidgraham7325]

I've watched 👀 many many of yall s videos very informative very interesting and yall keep going thanks have a great day

[@Ronadams5272]

About 10 years ago I stopped by there shop and got to meet them all, never have I seen a whole family that treated a fan like family, I spent most of the day there and had a wonderful time, Lenny showed me everything that I could even think of . Got pictures with Glenn and Leonard and myself , mrs wood and Kim, but just sitting down and talking with Leonard was one of the pinnacle moments on this earth I have ever had, he is a genius and a gentleman, and a good Christian man. What a wonderful family, a pure American treasure ❤

[@Stapleton42]

That’s awesome. They are all great people 🏁

[@tedium37]

Great respect shown to these legends. Thanks for the memories. The brand loyalty he gives Ford is like granite. He called everything else "the other brand".

[@ridinwithwheelz188]

17:52 “ if you want it bad enough, with heavy concentration, you can do more than you think you can”. Leonard Wood Lifetime, words of wisdom.

[@Stapleton42]

Absolutely

[@tracyhorn360]

89 years old and still sharp as a tack. God bless him. Thank you guys so much for doing these videos. Educational and entertaining.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man that’s awesome!

[@felixlab9951]

what a pleasure to listen to a legend,a great man,GO THE FORDS.....................peace

[@kevinw490]

I have always thought Leonard was a cool guy, as I got older I realized how incredibly intelligent he is

[@jerrellkull5347]

I truly appreciate you and logan. Y'all take care

[@loganerwin42]

Thank you Jerrell! We appreciate you also

[@RobbyGroome]

50 minutes of pure gold right there , will watch this one several more times, thanks for the great video.

[@davidgraham7325]

Yeah I watch ⌚️ 😌 😕 many times never ever gets boring learn something new ever time thanks yall are the best 👌

[@SteveLowe65]

Love the Wood Brothers and the all the history. This half size engine/carb stuff is FASCINATING. Thanks for this!

[@c.johnweir182]

I second that.

[@arkhsm]

That mini Dominator carb....exquiste !!

[@380.motorsports]

No computer or CAD program required, just need Leonard Wood. Precise model making by eye and human brain power and hand skills. What a legend!

[@richp5060]

Can never get enough of Leonard. Love stories of him and Pearson.

[@joshuahamilton6217]

The coolest autograph I ever got was from Leonard at one of the Michigan Races he was coming out of the garages and he looked at me like you want my autograph and I said yes sir and thank you Soo much it was Soo cool meeting him.....

[@Stapleton42]

I read that in his voice 😂

[@riverrat4631]

As a LSA Pilot we need guys like this to build a Light Sport Aircraft engine to make 80-100hp. A engine with dual redundancy for the ignition. We have very few choices. Rotax, UL Power and some guys are running small Honda car engines. A guy like this could design and produce a light weight 4 cylinder engine for Light Sport Aircraft. He could sell all they could build. A aluminum 4 stroke engine that would weigh 150lbs and make 130hp-150hp. This is the type of old school engineering we need in Aviation. These guys are about all gone. We are still flying behind 4 cylinder 65hp Continental engines built in the 1940’s. We need someone like this to design and build a new Aircraft engine we will fly behind for the next 80yrs. This man could easily build Aircraft engines. Most people will not have the time and patience to design a engine. This guy is not motivated by money, just the motivation to finish a great design. Years ago some Aircraft used model T engines on Airplanes. Once they have a good design that stays together we could mass produce these engines. The Wood Brothers are truly legends in the Nascar world. They worked the gray areas of the rule books for years. 🇺🇸

[@lennyparks6668]

I have officially hit that age where all I ever do is enjoy old school racers talk about history and accomplishments. We are so wrapped up with doing things our own ways no days we forget where we came from.

[@brinkee7674]

THANK YOU These guys are NASCAR. Met Leonard several times, he and Ricky Rudd signed my jacket 73 years non stop, 20 of NASCAR’S Greatest Drivers have driven for Wood Brothers Racing. That list includes Curtis Turner, Tiny Lund, Fireball Roberts, Bob Welborn, Dale Jarrett, A.J. Foyt, Glen Wood, Buddy Baker, Marvin Panch, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, Ned Jarrett, Fred Lorenzen, David Pearson, Joe Weatherly, Ralph Earnhardt, Neil Bonnett, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin, and Bill Elliott.

[@davewoodmancy5124]

Leonard Wood is an obvious genius. The people were more motivated back when he was young. Now if they want something they go on by it if they can. When Leonard was a young man he had to make do with what he had or what he could make. Outstanding video thank you

[@ldftrdnk]

It’s wonderful to see Leonard still gettin after it, thanks Mitchell & Logan ❤

[@telecasteroil]

The skill involved in making these machined parts,just incredible!

[@headbrown5629]

Goodness, what a smart, intelligent, country boy! The knowledge & experience in his head & hands

[@tjnak]

I'm a pre 1979 NASCAR fan and competitor. The Wood Brothers have always been my favorite team.

[@kclaptraffic]

He is a wonderful, smart person. I spoke with him on the phone several times when ordering parts from him. I used to race one of the RC car chassis he designed years ago.

[@Dan-jl1fk]

As time goes on, we slowly lose the greatest generation that ever lived. Thank you for bringing them to us while they are still on this earth...it's a noble endeavor.

[@petebribble4651]

Many years ago, my wife and I stopped at the Wood Brothers shop in Stuart on our way to Mt. Airy, NC. Leonard Wood was in a work room with a large window, visible to the main shop, hand porting cylinder heads. Working with his hands. I knew who he was and felt really honored to see him at work. Thanks so much for this video, preserving a glimpse of a true legend and gentleman.

[@screwball1433]

The wood brothers is what made nascar when it was real racing back in the day. Bless the wood family

[@gpracer270]

49:09 I am 53 and I watch EVERY second, I also share with my 84 year old father, we are both retired racers! We have fun talking about what we learned from your hard work! Keep it up!

[@Stapleton42]

That is awesome!

[@headbrown5629]

I have always known what a legend, treasure, Lenard is. I love seeing the delight & satisfaction in his face as he shows & tells you about all these amazing pieces...tools, scale model cars,engines, wow! It makes me smile seeing how excited he gets.

[@unklegeo]

Thank you for listening to people like Mr. Wood and Ed Pink and letting us listen in. (I love this stuff!)

[@robertheymann5906]

I've decided....you and your girlfriend are producing my absolute favorite videos. I'm an older prototype machinist and have done projects such as this for Ed Pink and to see what these guys are doing is awesome. Thanks again!!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you!

[@petebribble4651]

Really enjoyed the Ed Pink video. He was remarkable in the video with his memory and quick recall. A truly rare and blessed human being at his age.

[@johnboyte92]

This is great. Thank you for putting the interview together.

[@jamien.8639]

This man is one of my biggest inspirations. Us guys who mechanic and built racecars at are local tracks, people like him and Dale Inman and old crew chiefs like Tim Brewer and others will always be our guys. There's no better group of people in racing then the Wood family. I will always be a Wood Brothers Racing fan because how great these people are.

[@sydneychase780]

At 59 I find a lot of folks aren't interested in what I can share of my knowledge. I really appreciate what you are doing here, and we can all lean from anyone. I didn't skip over you. I have learned from the best cause I listen, keep up the good work! God Bless!

[@Jyard]

This is so special to hear this man reminiscing about his life. My dad was in WW2, I never thought to ask him about his experiences in the war, one of my biggest regrets in life, not to listen and learn about those experiences, and maybe help him put it all in perspective. Thank you for this interview.

[@Stapleton42]

Man that is heavy. We are glad you're here man

[@jimdean7335]

I’ve come to realize how important this channel is. Picking the brains of guys like Leonard Woods and recording it is priceless. Thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Jim!

[@briandonovan5434]

I love the way he says carburetor. Genuine good ol boy

[@richardweddle797]

This video is the best yet. There craftsmanship is mind boggling. You have the best videos on KZbin.

[@mikemaccracken3112]

I have learned a ton from you Mitchell. I’m 57 years old and I love to learn. Thanks to you and Logan I get to hear from the great people who help build motorsports into what is today.

[@seancrumby3241]

Absolutely love all the embelshments and detail of everything WoW

[@jacquescrusan9500]

I've been waiting for a video like this to come out for a long time. I've yet to be able to figure out how to machine mini-scale working engines ever since I was lucky enough, dumb enough, and had enough dispensable income to buy a Conley Stinger 609 back in 2012. I don't have it anymore, but being able to run a 6.09cc crossplane pushrod v8 was the biggest fascination of mine for the past 10 years. Never could find a home for it though, so I don't have it anymore. One of my life goals is to find a way to produce a scale size representation of some V8 engine that'll fit in a small car like a miata or something so I can make cool V8 noises while not blowing the tires, rear end, transmission and the like apart.

[@samfreeman8299]

Thanks so much for this. Made me think of a dear old friend who raced in the late 50's and early 60's named Buddy Ragsdale. He was a mechanic at the local dealership. I asked him once about their pit crew. He said, Hell, I was the pit crew. They had to pull the heads before racing Daytona to get checked. Put 'em back together and then race. He passed a couple of years ago at 94. No price could ever be put on the stories and time I spent with him.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Sam we are glad youre here

[@StrykerBuilt]

You are creating history for sure. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by myself and thousands. I would never get the chance to listen and watch these old boys tell stories. Thanks to you both for being curious and motivated and reverebt with these iconic people. Stay on this niche as long as you can, and many thanks from Star Brothers Racing. A little team out west 😊

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!!

[@samuelmdouglas]

Its cool to see theres things hes excited to show you. Like the roller tappets etc

[@rotorr22]

It's interesting you mentioned Ed Pink, because I was thinking how much he and Leonard have in common. Another individual I always admired was Sonny Leonard. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but I imagine he would have been a heck of an interview.

[@dh2360]

One of the best tributes to the Wood Brother's era and the men of that era that I can think of is to keep the classic cars they raced, worked on and drove as daily drivers alive and on the road driving. Restoring and driving classic cars is more than just a hobby, they are rolling works of art representing our nations achievements and celebrating those that pioneered ingenuity such as the Wood Brothers.

[@motorcoachtech7615]

Thanks Mitchell and Logan for bringing this. That era of racing really developed a lot of really, really smart people, Smokey Yunick, Junior Johnson,The Petty’s, Wood Bros etc. It’s great to see Leonard keeping active at his age. His builds are legendary.

[@dennisjensen7938]

You two have done an AWESOME job again. Keep up the amazing interviews of the old drivers and teams I grow up watching and loving

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you Dennis!

[@garyglenn3654]

Being a BIG Mopar fan, it always seemed like the Woods Brothers and David Pearson was the team to beat! Excellent video. Love the history.

[@paulknight5300]

So glad the racing world had the wood brothers!

[@johnmorgan4921]

Awesome interview, I've been a Woods brothers fan as long as I can remember, thanks for taking us along!!! Cheers!

[@3ducs]

Running scale machines are fascinating! I'm 77, I hope to have some of Leonard's enthusiasm if I make it to 89.

[@jackirwin8167]

Thanks for another great one Mitchell! Leonard Wood is a genius. Watched that man hoist a five gallon jug of oil from the floor into the 21 car switching it from qualifying to race trim in the garage at Daytona in 2008 during the Coke 400. Amazing guy. Keep them coming you two!!

[@wysetech2000]

WoW, You hit the jackpot with Leonard Wood. Hard to top that. What intelligent man for his age and still a gentleman. Thanks Mitchell, i really enjoyed that. I hope some young people watch this and see how a real American used to act. A real man who has tons of respect. Where have they gone?

[@Stapleton42]

I agree with you completely

[@Steeledawg]

Awesome video, I personally have respected the wood Brothers for 50+ years because of how they went about their business and their respect for the sport. Thank you!

[@markf350s]

Thank you and the Mrs. for doing the specials because you’re right it’s something that when it’s gone it’s gone the documents are so well thank you to both of you

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you mark!

[@sickstringbender1364]

I cant get enough of these videos. Like you said not many of these guys left so find em and get in their head for us to learn what it means to change the world for the better.

[@mikemcleroy8265]

They say when a man dies, a library burns. That will certainly be the case when he’s gone. Such an amazing man! Thanks for sharing.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we appreciate you

[@bloodredsky24]

The knowledge in that man's head could fill volumes and he is such a humble guy. The Wood Brothers success is legendary. The hand hammered Pearson car is incredible. Long may you run Leonard!

[@drcolster]

Fantastic Work..... Great looking workshop as well....

[@billtruett8593]

Thanks for the video guy Leonard Wood has been one of my heroes for years. He been a quiet giant of nascar for years. His brother was just as amazing (Glen) RIP

[@laserdad]

You have a knack for knowing what questions to ask. I think the people you interview enjoy it as much as you do.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you sir!

[@robertheymann5906]

Some seriously talented machinists and fabricators. Wow

[@Mjones8383]

These are the people who the youth should try to live like, hard working, humble and always striving to better themselves. Love how Mr Wood is always complimenting others for the work they do. He's a true treasure

[@Stapleton42]

I agree completely. This is why we work so hard to make videos with guys like Leonard so their information is accessible to future generations in a format familiar to them!

[@Mjones8383]

@Stapleton42 not quite God's work, but it's up there!

[@curtis-thebicentennialist1776]

Very entertaining and informative. Equally impressive is having a girlfriend/wife that's a gearhead. Well done!

[@frankisfunny2007]

I genuinely hope Leonard can document his life through an autobiography. I'd be interested in reading that book! As far as that message onto the ending, you're very much appreciated for getting these videos out there, and interviewing these guys, and gals.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we appreciate you. I’d love to read a Leonard book

[@Coolerstuff4you]

This is incredible. I’ve never seen or even heard this about Mr Wood. The mini carb is mind blowing. Ive been building stuff all of my life however, I’ve never seen or done anything even close to Mr Wood’s. Thank you for capturing the genius of Mr Wood. Doug McNeill, Memphis, Tn

[@ChrisJohnston-w8j]

I always enjoyed talking to Leonard and all the Wood brothers when I was in the industry. The ability that he has and innovations he has made himself over the years would make Henry Ford's jaw drop. Class act. Keep kicking these GREAT videos out.

[@WayneB27]

Caught a glimpse of Mr.Leonards fantastic 5/8 replica of the Lotus 38 that Jim Clark won the Indy 500 with in 1965 . Mr.Leonard and his brothers were the pit crew of the real thing, they bought a high level of intelegence ,attention to detail and coordination to pit stops that was soon adopted in F1 and other forms of motor racing worldwide. Great video Mitchell , keep up the good work you guys do.

[@Profabdesigns]

Mitchel thanks for your and Logan’s time and energy to make these videos. I have enjoyed watching them and learning more about the history of some the greatest minds in the racing industry. I look at Mr Woods, just sharp he is and knowledgeable and I think about the alleged president running this country, and you know who checked out a long time ago. So keep your mind busy and you’ll be a blessing at some point.

[@GenoSalvati]

This is one of the best interviews I have ever seen on any subject. You just ask open ended questions and let him go, and the subject is very interesting.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man. I want to spend as much time listening as possible

[@bennyhelgeson401]

Once again Mitchell and Logan hit it right out of the ball park. Thanks

[@jeremymundy8608]

Dude, your videos are going to be used as snippets to document history for ever! Thank you for sharing your work and all this history with the rest of the world!!!’

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!!

[@jeroldlafferty54]

Some of his engineering past and present is unbelievable. I could listen to this gentleman all day. I can see why Wood Brothers Race Cars are always at the top.

[@fordhipo]

I somehow missed this video till I watched the tour video. Leonard is a treasure and a gold mine of info and master at tinkering with the half scale stuff

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!!

[@lpe655]

The old man really took to Logan. He respected her and loved to answer her questions. And a lot of those old timers didn't respect women when the men were talking.

[@loganerwin42]

He was awesome, so kind and wanted to teach things. A lot of the older guys we have dealt with are rude to me lol

[@roadkingryder6685]

I went to that museum in 2012 when my dad lived in Stuart VA. The Man The Myth The Legendary Leonard Wood has forgotten more than these yahoos that are called car chiefs and crew chiefs in todays Napcar will ever know. Been looking forward to watching you and Logan talk to Leonard and ask him questions about the glory days of Nascar. Great job as usual. You guys keep up the great work and keep these videos coming. Us old dogs appreciate them very much.

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!