“A book that should be required reading for everyone who considers themselves to be a NASCAR fan” from the author of Full Throttle (SB Nation). NASCAR Legends traces the story of stock car racing through the courageous, record-breaking drivers who made it the number one spectator sport in America. NASCAR’s sixty-year history is rich with varied lore about heroic racers, incredible races, and love of family. There are profiles of true NASCAR stars: Bill France; Bobby and Davey Allison; Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Tony Stewart; Richard, Kyle, and Adam Petty, among other legends of the speedway. TV Guide motorsports reporter Robert Edelstein’s painstaking journalistic work, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge and love of the sport, make NASCAR Legends an essential book for anyone drawn to the roaring magic of the track. “A true delight to read, and the writing in each chapter is pitch-perfect. Not only did it educate me, but it entertained me. It will stay on my bookshelf as a handy source of reference or a refresher on history, too.” —SB Nation
Petty, Earnhardt, Allison, Baker, Jarrett: The names read like a starting grid of NASCAR's rich history. From its early dirt-track days to the swift speedway battles of the present, NASCAR has continued a tradition of excellence and competition passed down from father to son, and from older brother to younger. The desire of adoring kids to follow the path to family success--all to the delight of fans across America--remains at the core of NASCAR Winston Cup Series action and forms the thrilling landscape of NASCAR Generations. The Legacy of Family in NASCAR Racing. Told through the eyes of the successful fathers, sons, and brothers who have made up the fraternity of racing during NASCAR's fifty-plus years, NASCAR Generations celebrates the winningest personal and professional moments, as well as the most poignant ones, experienced by the sport's beloved families. There's Dale Earnhardt reflecting on the only race he ran with his dad, Ralph, a dirt-track legend, and the joys of embracing Dale Jr. in victory lane. Two-time series champion turned announcer Ned Jarrett happily admits that no moment in his storied career could ever rival the opportunity to make the spirited call for his son Dale's first Daytona 500 win and to follow Dale's quest for the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship. Stock car legend Bobby Allison speaks candidly about the glory days of racing against his brother and Alabama Gang partner, Donnie, as well as the honor of driving door to door with "the finest young man in racing," his son, Davey. Each of NASCAR's greatest family stars has a rich history to share, and each tells it here in NASCAR Generations. Here also are the competitive siblings who somehow manage to keep the family peace at close to two hundred miles per hour every weekend. In 1999, Jeff and Ward Burton forged the sport's most curious one-two punch, finishing in that order for three races (much to Ward's chagrin). Bill Elliott and his brother Dan look back to the incredible effort they and their brother Ernie put into Bill's pressure-filled, unlikely drive for the first-ever Winston Million in 1985. And then there's the 1996 finale in Atlanta, when Bobby Labonte won the race and big brother Terry won the NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship, leading to a shared victory lap for the ages. In interviews with many members of the NASCAR fraternity, longtime magazine journalist Robert Edelstein gets to the heart of NASCAR's family matters, especially in recounting the sport's two longest-running story lines. For the France family, who started the sport, the qualities that made Big Bill France and his wife, Anne, such a successful team inspired their sons, Bill Jr. (who continues at NASCAR's helm) and Jim, as well as the next generation of France family members, to help shape NASCAR in the new millennium. And for the Pettys, the only family in professional sports that has fielded four generations of competitors, there will forever be the glory of their accomplishmentshighlighted by King Richard's two hundred victories. NASCAR Generations is the perfect book for any fan who has cheered on the sport's fastest fathers or favorite sons--or both.
The tracks of NASCAR are among the most exciting aspects of the sport. This book profiles some of the most popular tracks, their histories, and their glories.
Buckle up for a high-octane journey through the exhilarating history of NASCAR in this definitive book by James Bren. From its humble beginnings on dirt tracks to the modern-day spectacle of roaring engines and thrilling finishes, "The History of NASCAR" takes readers on a pulse-pounding ride through the evolution of America's favorite motorsport. Discover the legendary drivers, iconic races, and pivotal moments that have shaped NASCAR into the powerhouse it is today. From Richard Petty's record-setting victories to Dale Earnhardt's unforgettable dominance, this book delves deep into the lives of racing's greatest heroes and the fierce competition that defines the sport. Explore the historic tracks that have become hallowed ground for NASCAR fans, from Daytona International Speedway to Bristol Motor Speedway. Experience the adrenaline-pumping action of Daytona 500, the intensity of the playoffs, and the heart-stopping drama of the championship race. With insider insights and behind-the-scenes stories, "The History of NASCAR" offers a captivating glimpse into the world of stock car racing. From the roaring engines to the checkered flags, this book celebrates the passion, the rivalries, and the triumphs that have made NASCAR a cultural phenomenon. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves the thrill of the race. So grab your gearshift and join James Bren on a journey through the twists and turns of NASCAR history. Get ready to experience the speed, the excitement, and the unforgettable moments that define the sport.
Profiles NASCAR legends Bobby, Clifford, Davey, and Donnie Allison, discussing each family member's racing successes, career accomplishments, contributions to racing, and other related topics.
Over one thousand years ago, kingdoms across Europe were changed forever as the Vikings sailed in. Prepare here to board an iconic Norse ship and be transported into the battles, the legacies, and the everyday lives of these intrepid warriors. From buried treasure to noble laws, to murderouos myths: this the story of the Vikings. The Vikings were the original explorers with a legacy going back to 800 AD. Popular culture thinks the 1600s was the Age of Discovery when Europe discovered the Americas. Did you know some of the most exciting days of seafaring expansion took place close to a thousand years before that when a group of seafaring Scandinavians departed their homelands for the British Isles, seeking great power and prosperity at all costs? For the next three centuries, the daring voyagers pillaged and plundered their way to a vast kingdom, and in the process, developed new trade routes, spreading everything from commerce to art to language from the Far East to the New World. The pages of this book will take you into the Norseman's universe - their daily lives and ritual deaths. We’ll explore the magical mythology of the Norse gods, go behind-the-scenes of the hit History series Vikings, and examine their lasting legacy on the today's world. We even cover pop culture too — much of Game of Thrones was based on the vikings (and countless other shows and movies too). Here, in these richly illustrated pages, is everything you need to know about the medieval warriors of the sea.
Covers the latest drivers, records, and rule changes All-new color photos highlight the fun and excitement of NASCAR Ever wonder what's under the hood of today's stock cars? Want to know the latest about the changes in NASCAR? Top driver Mark Martin puts you behind the wheel on an insider's tour of NASCAR, offering great insights into the new drivers, sponsorship changes, safety requirements, and racing schedule — helping you get more out of every race you watch! Discover how to: Understand the rules, regulations, and standings Identify driver skills and racing strategies Get up to speed on NASCAR lingo Enjoy racing from the stands and on TV Locate NASCAR tracks near you
In this officially licensed and stunningly illustrated volume, get a thrilling, up-close-and-personal look at NASCAR’s mavericks and key moments from the dawn of the sport to present day. In every sport there are mavericks—trailblazers, risk-takers, hell-raisers, forward-thinkers—who drive the breakthroughs and advances that shape and define the sport. Written by longtime motorsports journalists H.A. Branham and Holly Cain, NASCAR Mavericks covers the NASCAR story in chronological order, focusing on key movers and shakers—the men and women key to the sport’s evolution—often related through first-hand stories. Racing great Tony Stewart’s foreword sets the scene. Accompanied by exceptional images sourced from NASCAR’s archives plus other top photographers, the profiles include such NASCAR legends as: Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr. The Flock Brothers Lee and Richard Petty Smokey Yunick Janet Guthrie The Earnhardts Humpy Wheeler Tony Stewart Interspersed with the maverick profiles are sidebars highlighting legendary races, machines, and events like the first Daytona 500, Plymouth’s Hemi Superbird, record-setting pit stops, Jeff Gordon’s T-Rex car, and more. NASCAR Mavericks proves that racing always improves the breed!
The first major authorized biography of NASCAR founder, Bill France Sr. Big Bill is the consummate "insider" book on the life and legend of NASCAR founder Bill France and tells the tale of a classic American success story. France Sr. brought his family to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934, put down roots and immersed himself in the business of racing, both as a driver and an owner. Nicknamed "Big Bill" because of his 6-foot-5 stature, he made significant contributions to the racing world - he founded NASCAR in December 1947, built Daytona International Speedway in 1959 and built Talladega Superspeedway in 1969, and landed the landmark R.J. Reynolds/Winston sponsorship deal in 1971 that not only transformed NASCAR but also transformed corporate sponsorship of sports in America. The France family has spent the last 30 years gathering a vast collection of files and material about their family patriarch and has turned over countless interviews -- both written and taped -- as well as NASCAR documents, memorabilia, memos, letters and various other materials to the author for this definitive biography. Big Bill offers NASCAR fans a rich, entertaining, emotional, and detailed story about America's most recognized and admired racing family.
This two-volume encyclopedia is the Daytona 500 of stock car racing books—an essential "Bible" that provides an all-encompassing history of the sport as well as an up-to-date examination of modern-day stock car racing. How did stock car racing become firmly entrenched in American pop culture, especially in light of the lack of interest in motorsports overall as a spectator activity in the United States? And what has been the secret to NASCAR's financial success and growth over the last six decades? Encyclopedia of Stock Car Racing highlights approximately 250 subjects that have defined the sport since stock car racing was first organized. Organized in A-Z order, it covers all of the greatest drivers, such as Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, Junior Johnson, and David Pearson; the special races such as the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400; and the famed tracks across the country, from Bristol Motor Speedway to Darlington Raceway to Talladega Superspeedway. This unprecedented resource collects information about every element of NASCAR history in one place: the early personalities who shaped the sport and set things in motion, the past greats who have now retired, and today's rising stars who continue to make stock car racing one of the most popular sports in the United States.
