David and Brenda enjoy attending Corvair events, where YS-019 has won its share of awards. They were surprised and happy to receive yet another award at Daytona, where the car achieved Silver status. Their surprise stemmed from the fact that the Stinger hasn't yet been restored, and David is hopeful that his planned upcoming full restoration will eventually earn the car a gold award. I'd say the odds are great!

It was clear that David also enjoyed his experience as a novice judge in the Concours d' Elegance. He described it as a "revealing experience" where he learned much about the extent of work put into some of the Corvairs and the generally high quality of the exhibited cars.  He also mentioned he saw a couple of "undercoat specials."

"As usual," he said, "the convention was too short, but I enjoyed seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and meeting celebrities like Jerry Thompson (who won the SCCA D/Production Championship in a Yenko Stinger, in November, 1967) and the other guest speakers like performance wizard, Smokey Yunick."

Other recent improvements were also made to YS-019's interior, with the addition of a period-correct Nardi steering wheel that David points out, cost $49 in 1966 and substantially more now. The wheel got its first workout in the autocross, where lap times were hampered by David's reluctance to push the brand new engine, and by a damp track. In spite of those facts, however, he had a great time on the track and thought it was terrific just being able to run at Daytona, considering "bragging rights and all!"

One last look at the LaPortes' Stinger before we move on. It may not be fully restored, but it's a fine looking machine as it sits. YS-019 is one of the original 1966 Don Yenko Stingers.