Racing Books

My daughter loves this book. She is three and we read it all the time. She is learning about racing and enjoys it alot. We even met Kyle Petty and he signed our copy. He calls it "Austin's book" If you like racing and are a Petty fan it is a good book for your collection. I had a very hard time finding it!

and hang out and drink beer, go fishing, and talk uh.. stuff, with my Godfather who was the head mechanic of the best company at the tiny Daytona airport.. At one point on a cigarette run they put me in the car with Fireball and I got to hold the smokes and beer on my lap on the way back from the country store.. I saw a couple of the last beach races from WAY too close, just before the track opened too.

I worked that track many a time later, in the infield, on the apron, doing whatever..

This book has it about right.

Oh there are a few things glossed over, France fanaticism and 'tax free status', and such but over all it's a decent retelling of a odd time in American history that when the cars finally go, will never come again.

This whole series, Images in America is a wonderful frozen moment in time, usually written by some crotchety old local type or matron. The prose is sometimes a little uneven, the pacing often slow, but the WEALTH of data in there is so rich that it's worth enduring..

(btw, later I used to be on a first name basis with female serial killer Eileen Wournos, pick her up thumbing and lived to tell about it!... Makes me the only man alive to ride with Fireball and Eileen.. and they wonder why I moved to the panhandle!)

L.McD.

This is Murray's last book, having passed away earlier this year. If you are a racing fan or otherwise interested in the world of the racetrack and the crazy people who inhabit it, buy this book. It's funny, touching, and all too familiar for those who love the horses. And then buy all of Murray's racing mysteries. This final book is a great read and I hated to see it end. Murray captured what makes a day at the races so special to many of us. One of these days I'll finally get out to Del Mar and hoist a beer and a few losing tickets in Murray's memory. Until then I'm stuck with the great books he wrote. If you love racing, you'll love this book.

One of K.M. Peyton's best, which is saying something. A long and satisfying read, coming-of-age, believable and enthralling. A must for anyone.

Just the sound of their names, makes your hair stand on end, and your heart beat faster. Bold Ruler, the sire of so many greats. Secretariat, can anyone ever forget his thirty one length win in the Belmont, making him the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. Ruffian, the magnificent filly who came to grief in the fateful match race against Foolish Pleasure . The names go on Alleged, Spectacular Bid, Every page has a story to tell of these champions of the track

This is the book of all books for the thoroughbred lover. None can compare. The text is beautifully written, making you feel you know each animal, and all their quirks.The paintings by Reeves are magnificent, you feel you could reach out and stroke a velvet nose, or caress a silky ear.

I purchsed my copy in 1980 and along side my 1976 copy of Classic Lines these books are my pride and joy.

If you love thoroughbreds, this book is a must, you will thrill every time you read it.

This book is excellent for children of all ages. It brings to life the excitement of the Kentucky Derby. The book adds fun with it's colorful and imaginative pop-ups and tells the complete story of the race. Includes well researched historical background and photos of past Kentucky Derby's. I loved how the author included a recording of the "Call to the Post".

If you enjoy this book, you will also enjoy "Macy's on Parade".

The world's leading book on the evolution, design and tuning of motocross and dirt motorcycles. Includes suspension tuning, engine performance, and some of the most famous photos from the history of motocross with top riders including Bob Hannah, Roger DeCoster, Marty Smith taken by Jim Gianatsis

Pamela Carruthers was a fine rider in her heyday, and a superb course designer in her later years. She designed grand prix jumping courses at all the major show jumping events around the world. I had the privelege of listening to her describe her rationale for some great courses. The first fence is a gift to the horse and rider to get them in the right frame of mind. A course should be challenging enough to weed out the field, but not kill or maim them. She used changes of direction, half-stride approaches, and obstacle types to good effect, without having to use super huge fences, though hers were often big, to be sure. This book covers the ground for the beginning to advanced designer. I used this book as my bible when I was doing this in the 1980s at small shows. The rationale behind her layouts is very sound.

Almost fifty years ago, highly successful jockey Dick Francis left horse racing to write mystery novels that in many cases used his former occupation as a milieu. Over the next four plus decades, genre fans continually loved his works that have led to multiple awards including a life achievement and grandmaster status. When his companion, his beloved wife Mary died a few years ago, Mr. Francis finally slowed down his incredible high quality annual production of great who-done-its.

THE DICK FRANCIS COMPANION provides further recognition of one of mystery greats as well as giving readers a deep look at his works since the 1950s, his memorable characters, an exclusive and interesting interview with Mr. Francis, and of course links to horse racing. Though clearly for fans of the author, this biography with its emphasis on the novels and a recent anthology is a Triple Crown winner (so the finish line is stretched across the ocean as Mr. Francis raced in England) for those readers who know a sure bet.

Harriet Klausner

I bought this for my bestest buddy who is a dirt
track junkyard dog. He really enjoyed it.
'Nuff said?