NASCAR Legend Waddell Wilson Talks Hidden Horsepower

Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson and Fred Lorenzen - Most engine builders would be considered fortunate to work with one or two of these Hall of Fame drivers. Waddell Wilson put each of them in victory lane during his legendary career.
From building engines to being a crew chief/head engine builder, Waddell Wilson did everything and won everything in NASCAR, and in this special episode of Hidden Horsepower, Waddell shares his story.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

One of the most iconic NASCAR mechanics ever, Waddell Wilson was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020. He was the engine builder on cars that captured the NASCAR Championship in 1968, 1969, and 1973. Waddell’s race engines powered some of the greatest drivers in the sports history to 123 pole awards and 109 victories. In addition to being a 200 mph mechanic, Waddell Wilson also served as one of the most significant team crew chiefs in NASCAR history with 32 pole awards and 22 victories to his credit. Several of Waddell Wilson’s engines and cars broke the 200 mph lap barrier on super speedways like Talladega and Daytona. Famous for building strong engines that ran some of the fastest laps ever recorded and leading teams on pit road to Championship seasons. I greatly appreciate your interview with Waddell Wilson. I am sure that he has many many racing stories to share, and I look forward to additional sessions featuring him.

[@TotalSeal]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stealthbomber2127]

@@TotalSeal If Tommy Turner is still alive, an interview with him would be awesome. Lots of wins building engines for the Wood Brothers.

[@landonsewell81]

Waddell Wilson…..Simply the best

[@TotalSeal]

Agreed!

[@theshed8802]

The very first go faster book that I ever bought was Waddell Wilson's engine building book. Couldn't have been more fortunate. Then I discovered David Vizard. Between the two of them, I learnt a lot.

[@TotalSeal]

Too cool! Waddell is the man!

[@edpetrocelli2633]

Davd Vizard is no fuddy duddy, the man knows his stuff, everything he says holds up[. Waddell was there before engineers got involved,,what a pioneer! I kije them both and a few more but these two guys were on it.

[@stevejohnson6858]

@@edpetrocelli2633 Agree completely

[@user-wu3hc8ub8u]

I'm amazed at the story's of yesteryear. Mr. Wilson lead the way then. Awesome, great stuff.

[@TotalSeal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@williamstel9330]

One of the finest Mechanics as modest as David Pearson. I bought his book many years ago.

[@Mtlmshr]

LEGEND! Heard his stories many times and they never get old! God Bless Wardell!

[@TotalSeal]

Absolutely!

[@sheldongilbert808]

Wadell is 1 of the best mechanics . He did it all.One of the best interviews you have ever had Lake. Keep up the great work

[@TotalSeal]

Wow, thanks!

[@tonypierce5661]

Awesome interview I built my first drag race engine by Waddell information. And still doing it. 1970s until now.

[@smsnc20]

Lake Jr. is an awesome person. I love watching anything he does. His energy is always a pick me up.

[@TotalSeal]

Thank you!

[@bobbybelcher6800]

One of the greatest to ever turn a wrench ! 200 mph with factory parts !

[@TotalSeal]

Absolutely!

[@edpetrocelli2633]

He has been my favotite engine man since the late 70`s. I love engines and have been a builder for a living for 30 yrs. The other ones i liked were Smokie who used to kick me out of his shop in the 60s the Dorton brothers and Runt Pittman. I used to think I was a pretty good mechanic until I started doing diesels and that opened my eyes up to a whole other level of thought. Turns out thats where Waddell started, I think it gave him a jump on the competition

[@TotalSeal]

Right on!

[@rhettsdad608jv]

I'll take "things that never happened" for $500 Alex.

[@140ex5]

Stories from the golden age of NASCSR are fascinating. The true spirit of stock car racing was taking stock parts and making them race parts.

[@TotalSeal]

Absolutely!

[@dano2099]

Awesome sit down with Waddell Wilson and to hear how he got started in NASCAR. Thank you for making this video I really appreciate this kinda sit downs with the greats of NASCAR.

[@TotalSeal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thachuck5123]

Man this is sooo awesome

[@wysetech2000]

We used to think that he had to be cheating. It was amazing to see black tire marks on the track, coming off of the corners with Cale's cars.

[@rayowens4355]

Awesome video and interview!!

[@TotalSeal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@garthmull1483]

Does not get any better absolutely golden

[@TotalSeal]

Thanks!

[@af4od02]

I wished we could hear some of Waddell’s carburetor secrets

[@TotalSeal]

Me too!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

🏁Great vid, really enjoyed!! 🏁

[@TotalSeal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@TotalSeal 👍👍

[@1hasbeen531]

Absolute legend.

[@TotalSeal]

Yep!

[@OldHickoryAndyJackson]

Old Waddell always could find that "extra" HP

[@TotalSeal]

Heck yeah!

[@55tmilam]

I love WW stories! I like Lake jr too!

[@bradkroboth5490]

Waddell was Ricky Rudd's crew chief in 91, if it wasn't for going 2 laps down at spring talladega and the bs at sonoma/sears point, Rudd should have won that championship

[@louislepage5111]

This man got more horsepower out of the small block Chevy than any other engine builder . And legally 😊

[@TotalSeal]

Absolutely!

[@rickeh100]

Wow! Get out there and find all these older hard working “engineers” record in their words the real stories of racing.

[@TotalSeal]

That’s our mission this year!

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

Wood Brothers , David Pearson , Purolator Mercury , 21 Car , was this Waddell's engine ,,, ?

[@TotalSeal]

Yep!

[@BigDaddy-xp1vf]

✌💖💪🏁💯

[@erickbernard8208]

Yo yo yo guys

[@samrumade9429]

Ok…I watched Stapleton42 a few weeks ago. That being said,it’s like this talking head watched it,memorized it ,then regurgitated it to Waddell. Totally annoying. If you want to watch a real,respectful interviews,go to Stapleton42. This guy is totally annoying.

[@TotalSeal]

Stapleton42 does an amazing job.

[@paulwatson4189]

I would love to hear about his switch back to ford in 85 with the thunderbird

[@davescott686]

I seen that story somewhere. GM basically screwed them over on some cylinder heads. Pissed off Rainier.