The Cal-look Lounge

Like what we did with Darrell Vittone, I am heading to Ft Worth, Texas next weekend to interview Lyle Cherry. Did you know he invented the first VW mainshaft with different gears? Much more as well, including the Empi connection. Any questions you would like me to ask Lyle, just go ahead the list them below... Thanks, deano

Don't know how the question could be asked, but I'd heard/had been told at one point by someone that he was basically screwed out of using the Empi name.

Dean, Ask Lyle about the 10 sec A/MC and the case with the off set bore. Also say hi for me. Thanks Brian Hyerstay

What's his favorite engine combination for a bracket-style race engine? What combination for street?
What's the best/favorite tip for consistent, quality engine assembly?
Why VWs?

TxT

I am curious how long he and Johnny Hefler ran the Modified Compact together, the motor combination, trans ratios, etc. What records or milestones they achieved together. I am a friend of the Heflers and have not heard too much about their years racing together.

Rick Mortensen

 ;)

Deano...Also ask Lyle if he is in to crawfish like Johnny Hefler!  :-) 

Rick M

Hi Rick, I completed my interview(s) with Lyle a couple weeks ago. I ended up traveling three times to Texas since August 3rd, and saw him at Sacramento and at the Schley's house with Rick Sadler, Ricky Marshall and Dennis Butts. His shop is now closed and being cleared out. He has completely retired from the world of VWs and soon will be moving to Idaho to stay with his sister. There seems to be a slight love/hate relationship with Johnnie Hefler and Lyle, as Lyle tries so hard to be mad at him, yet, he laughs out loud when they are together. Johnnie's Louisana roots no doubt make for his liking crawfish, unlike Lyle who is 100% Texan. Johnnie is a real character! There is a million stories between those two that are too funny. Some, I can actually put into G-rated print. I am so glad that Rick Sadler called me when he did to ask about a possible Lyle interview. As days after I visited his shop and took photos, he closed everything down. Lyle interview is now in print in the January issue, and will be out soon.

Thanks for the update Deano.  I got to know Johnny pretty well. He is a walking hoot!  I've never laughed so much as when I was around Johnny...as he'd share is perspectives on things.  Quite the character. Looking forward to reading your article.

Rick M

  Got a chance to hang out last Sunday with my friend Lyle Cherry at the Black Gold show in Arlington,Tx. He has built two great motors for me over the years.

                                                                         Norris

Just read on the UAC that Lyle Cherry passed away last night. RIP Lyle.

Saw Dean's post on FB that Lyle had passed from Cancer. Godspeed Lyle

Wow...another great part of our VW history has left us.  Starts making you think about where you are at and what unresolved things are left you would like to accomplish! Wow...rest in peace Lyle.  Have loved watching the Lyle Cherry cars over the years.

Rick M

 Hey Deano,
              Another legand is gone. Thanks for your part in preserving the history of the legands of our small world. I have some good friends who were there in the early days , I listened to their stories and background behind stories I had read about , it was like being there myself. I would like to see a long running series of articles about the old timers who added to and changed the VW world before they are gone . Again thanks to you and the staff of HOT VW's for all you do. Mike McCarthy