"The Legend of the First Super Speedway," is a gritty tale punctuated by humor that chronicles the hero's journey through the pioneering age of American auto racing. It is a factual, previously untold story that must be read for a thorough understanding of auto racing history.
“ ...The pages that follow are not offered as an attempt at literary style or excellence. I am far from being a writer, and, to tell the truth, “Wall Smacker” was the hardest task I’ve ever undertaken. It was my good fortune, however, to have had my career as an automobile racing driver during a glamorous and pioneering period of the sport era both in America and on the Continent that produced many immortals of the “Roaring Road,” and was packed with events and incidents of unusual interest to all followers of speed. Many of my friends, realizing this, have urged me repeatedly to write my reminiscences in the form of an autobiography. Here, at last they are. I’ll feel fully repaid for my efforts if this book is entertaining, and happy, indeed, if it serves to keep alive at least a few of the episodes of a great chapter in the history of American automobile racing...” Peter De Paolo - November 1st, 1935. (Peter De Paolo was the American race car driver who won the 1925 Indianapolis 500)
From The Books Back Cover: Welcome to Detroitland, where award-winning journalist Richard Bak brings to life episodes from roughly a century of Detroit's colorful history. Bak tackles familiar names like Frank Murphy, the Purple Gang, the Lone Ranger, "Potato Patch" Pingree, and Charles Lindbergh. He also introduces little-known Detroit characters like the Black Legion, Detroit's own version of the Ku Klux Klan: Jonny Miler, the man who walloped Joe Louis in the Brown Bomber's first-ever amateur fight; patrolman Ben Turpin, the terror of Black Bottom criminals; Sophie Lyons, legendary "Queen of the Underworld" and Detroit philanthropist; and Shorty Long, Brenda Holloway, the Velvelettes, and other forgotten Motown artists of the 60's.
This book provides an in-depth look at the great motor races that took place in Savannah, Georgia, in the golden era of early road racing: the Grand Prize of the Automobile Club of America and the Vanderbilt Cup. By examining Savannah's earlier fame in national bicycle racing competitions and its ties to the powerful dynasties who controlled the racing world, the book explains how and why Savannah was chosen. It details the construction of the course, reveals why the races and course were considered "America's greatest" by international racing experts of the period and includes many biographies of the drivers who came to Savannah. Finally, the book explores the theories and complexities of why Savannah's races and road racing in general came to an end.
Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.
Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.