It’s North vs South all over again, but instead of “brother against brother” at Gettysburg… it’s The Joker (North) vs the fastest vintage gasser association in the world, The Southeast Gassers (South).
Colonel’d by association owner, and world record holder, Mr Leslie Horne, driving his black ‘55 Chevy… “The Chick Magnet”.
When asked about the stiff competition, Greg Stelse, owner of Greg’s Speedshop Waupaca WI, and pilot of The Joker, a 1957 Pontiac 2 door hardtop, turned Gasser, stated, “The Chick Magnet is the car to beat, but they are all fast, and we can’t look past any one of those other cars on our way to the world record.”
Drag racing is in Greg’s blood.
From the young age of 14 in a ‘69 Firebird, to today, in the fire breathing beast named “The Joker”, Greg’s passion for racing and just wanting to go fast, have placed him just 10ths off of the world record in the Southeast Gasser Association, which requires period correct, naturally aspirated, and no computer help for the driver, motors and transmissions!
His passion for racing has also led him to build his own oval track racer, restore multiple collector cars, and now has built his own world class, premier automotive business, just outside of the small Wisconsin town, Waupaca WI… Greg’s Speed Shop!!! With The Joker front and center.
In literal obscurity coming from the center of Northeast Wisconsin to main stage status at premier automotive industry showcases, like PRI and SEMA. Greg and The Joker are starting to make the industry rounds and be recognized by other racers and custom car builders.
Greg’s Speed Shop is a 35,000 square foot automotive destination… and Greg is not just your everyday wrench turner.
Greg and his “Team Joker” staff can change your oil, restore your grandparents ‘57 Chevy, or custom build/paint a “World of Wheels Best of Show” daily driver Mustang for you!
Greg’s goal for his customers is to create a place of nostalgia, a place where new memories are made and old memories are stoked and kept burning bright.
It’s a family affair at Greg’s Speed Shop. Greg and his wife Leah have blended both their passions into a “must see automotive destination”.
Leah operates the custom merch for The Joker and offers vintage clothing and photography sets for your own vintage photo shoots.
And, she is The Jokers official B.U.G. (Back Up Girl) The BUGs also wear period correct vintage outfits from 1967 for each racing showcase.
At Greg’s Speed Shop customers become friends, and friends… become family.
The mission for The Joker is summed up in a quote used in his book: The Joker: A Story About A Guy, A Gal & A Gasser!
The quote comes from CT Fletcher, the “Compton Superman”, of Iron Addicts Gym.
“Momma, I love ya, but somebody’s gotta be the baddest… and thats me!”
That’s the goal. To be the baddest Gasser on the planet!
They said no car from up North could match up with any of The Southeast Gassers, “heck, he won’t even qualify.”
He’s doing more than qualifying.
Feel that cold wind boys, bringing The Joker with it?
He’s qualified; he’s top 10; and currently just 10th’s off of the world record for fastest Gasser in the World!!
It may be good old North vs South grudge racing when they pull up to the line… but The Joker has earned some respect; won enough to be in the hunt; and has all of The Southeast Gassers Association eyes on him as he attempts to break the current world record!
“It’s not if, but when… we break the record!” ~ Greg Stelse/The Joker
You can find Greg, Leah and The Joker, on Facebook, other social media, and at http://www.gregsspeedshop.com
theemergingman.com 
GO, GREG, GO!!!
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