TMCP #226: Wes Drelleshak’s ’59 Apache “Muscle Truck”: Racing with the Big Boys on a Wing, Prayer, and a Budget!

Subscribe in iTunes

Listen in Stitcher

=======================================================

wes-drelleshak
Wes Drelleshak and his ’59 Chevy Apache: Project Long Shot!

This weeks interview is with Wes Drelleshak, the creator and racer of his 1959 Apache muscle-truck appropriately named “Project Long Shot.” Many of you will likely recognize Wes’ name from several print publications, where he has spent his career as a journalist and photographer. In a few weeks he’ll be campaigning against some of the best drivers and cars ever at the 2014 Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational!

As he’s essentially taking a butter knife to a gun fight I thought it might be fun to have Wes come onto the show to discuss what it’s like (and how he has found a way) to successfully campaign in a competitive race series when you’re on a tight budget (I know that a lot of TMCP Readers and Listeners can relate)! Since the Ultimate Street Car format has the equalizing segments like autocross and speed-stop, he’s been able to compete highly in those areas and run mid pack overall. With that said, the tips given in this interview can, in my opinion, be applied to any racer out there in any series (drag racing, circle track, etc.).

Gonzalez_Drelleshak
An engine bay shot of Cris Gonzalez’s Challenger. “Wes Drelleshak Automotive Demons” also present.

As Wes shared in the interview, the keys to success was the willingness to work on his own things as much as possible, offering to help others without expecting something in return, while at the same time asking for as much help as possible (which can be the toughest part).

He’s also started a friendly Facebook competition with JCG’s Cris Gonzalez, who will be competing at OUSCI against Wes in his purple Challenger named “Barney!”

You can follow Wes’ adventures on his Facebook page, and also check out a nice feature that was done on the /BIG MUSCLE YouTube channel.

Thanks for the interview Wes, and good luck at OUSCI!

– Rob Kibbe

=======================================================

This interview sponsored by our pals at National Parts Depot – your premier source for muscle car restoration parts!

National-Parts-Depot

Listen on your favorite platform:

More Episodes:

Other shows you might enjoy:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *