Bio of Charles Yesnick. A Partner and Contributor of 1ShopAuto.com and owner of drag racing team Yesnick Racing Enterprices.
Charles “racing” experience began by sweeping floors in a local machine shop at 13 years old. After learning some machine work and performance aftermarket parts, he built and completed his first car, a 68 Chevrolet Camaro. By the end of 17th birthday, his daily driver went from a 13 to a consistent 10 second performer at the local strips including Los Angeles County Raceway in Palmdale. Read Articles by Charles
Graduating from street to strip, Charles worked on a series of supercharged alcohol funny cars 
and dragsters. Participating at NHRA national and divisional events, Charles raced against the likes of Brad Anderson, Gary Scelzi, Cruz Pedregon, and Cory McClethathan.
After years on the quartermile, he changed directions and went to the liquid oval track. For the next couple of years, he worked on a supercharged alcohol K-class and turbocharged Grand National boats.
During this time, Charles was working for the largest retail high performance aftermarket retailer, SuperShops. SuperShops also owned Mallory Ignition and Erson Camshafts. His position as west coast regional salesmanager provided him access to the most up to date racing and high performance components.
While at SuperShops, Charles returned to the quartermile when he met famous west coast racer, John Scialpi. John Scialpi built him a top sportsman car which was fitted with a 706 inch nitrous engine. The top sportsman class at the time was evolving into what would become to be known as pro modified.
While at SuperShops, in the mid-90’s, Charles was in contact with the famous engine builder, Sonny Leonard. Arising out the discussions, Charles relocated to Virginia to work as the operations manager for Sonny Leonard Racing Engines. While at Sonny’s, Charles participated in the creation and development of the 5 inch bore spaced engine, as well as NHRA and IHRA pro stock and pro modified powerplants. In addition, to the drag racing, Charles also assisted with the off-shore marine racing program.
After being on sidelines developing his legal career, Charles returned to pro modified racing in 2005, with Frankie Taylor, 
behind the wheel of his carbon fibered Camaro. Together, the team followed the entire NHRA/AMS pro modified series. The team finished the year in the top 10 on the strength of a runner up and numerous semi final finishes, and beating the likes of Jim Oddy/Al Billes, Jay Payne/Brad Anderson, Josh Hernandez, and Troy Coughlin.
After a couple of short stints in PSCA’s pro street category, Charles reconnected with his former car builder John Scialpi and his Wappado Racing 57 Chevrolet. In their first year together, the team finished 2nd points in PSCA pro street class in 2010.
The team’s future is very promising. The team is considering its options at running either in the NHRA pro modified class or in pro-extreme with the ADRL. In either case, the team will be ready with a new Tim McAmis equipped 68 Camaro sporting a John Scialpi built 521 BAE supercharged alcohol powerplant. On the development side, the team is developing its own 14-71 roots supercharger program to compliment John Scialpi’s fuel management systems.
Charles, John and Team
John Scialpi is a racer’s racer.
As one of the pioneers of fast doorslammer racing, John’s experience spans over 35 years. He has extensive knowledge of all aspects of racing engines race car fabrication, and on track tuning. In addition to his broad understanding of engine and car set up, John has been on the forefront of supercharged engine development including designing and building superchargers, engines, burst panels, pinch valves, and fuel systems. It is not surprising that John has achieved success in a myriad of classes from pro-modified to nostalgia, and in several countries including the United States, Australia, and Canada. His parts and tune-ups can be found on front running cars around the world.
In addition to assisting customers around the world, John is also a fierce competitor on the West Coast Pro Mod Association, NHRA, IHRA, Super Chevy, and PSCA tours. As a driver, he is well known for his long burnouts, leaving the line ahead of the competition, and outrunning them to the finish line. John has enjoyed personal success across the United States, Australia, as well as Canada. He still holds the record for the quickest and fastest steel bodied 57 Chevrolet. Despite making a living as a racer, the good-natured Italian can often be found assisting fellow competitors.