Jerry McDaniel
Jerry first became interested in cars after watching one of the local Hot Rodders do a huge smokey burnout and then rip through the gears in his white Nissan Pickup truck. When the guy brought the truck back to where they were all standing and opened the hood, Jerry saw the guy had swapped out the little Nissan engine for a small block Chevy. Jerry’s first car was influenced by what he saw that day. Jerry got his hands on a 87 Ranger 4 cylinder stick with a rod knock for $ 700. Jerry was fifteen when he swapped the original engine for a 302 with a C4 automatic. The truck was black with little dog dish hubcaps, a real low key sleeper.
Jerry’s dad liked the truck so much he built his own version. Jerry’s dad’s Ranger is an ‘86 with a 350 Chevy in it. Jerry’s brother also has a 87 Mustang that he races. Jerry’s currently working on a new 400 inch Windsor for it. Hot Rods are a family thing for the McDaniel’s and it’s always good time when they get the crew out to Milan Dragway for some fun.
Jerry’s education at Michigan Automotive High school in Romulus filled his head with knowledge and fueled his love for cars. When he graduated in 2001 He went to work for Ding Removers in Plymouth, MI. Jerry always kept his eyes open for opportunities that would let him show his machining and engine building skills. In 2003 Livernois Motorsports hired Jerry’s friend as a manager. When a job opened for a machinist, he knew that Jerry had the background and drive to do the job. The new job was an opportunity to hone his skills in at a high level racing shop. Jerry was like a sponge soaking up every bit of knowledge that was available. In 2004 he sold the Ranger and bought a ‘95 Mustang 6 cyl. with a stick. That powertrain was replaced with a 347 cube stroker and a C4 trans. Jerry became a regular at Milan with that car. He was living the gearhead dream working at Livernois and racing his car at Milan. Just when Jerry thought life couldn’t get better, Chris Holbrook had an opening at his shop. Jerry thought he would have a better opportunity in a smaller more concentrated environment. Working with Dave Lyall and Chris Holbrook directly was the main reason Jerry came over to Holbrook’s. Jerry's work ethic and perfectionist attitude is why Holbrook Racing Engines plans on keeping him here.