Racing Books

This book is fantastic for people who live in the San Juans. Amazingly clear photographs make identifying marine life easy.

For someone who was new in this area, this wonderful book was a great help. Especially invertebrates ae very well descripted. The shots from the animals are very impressive.

This book is one of the most amazing publishing accomplishments I have seen. The authors and their friends have accumulated 1700 superb photographs of marine life, especially the tiny and obscure invertebrates that almost no one has even seen or suspected, let alone photographed. (Where else are you going to find photos of neon sea-fleas and parasitic copepods in the wild?) Many of the animals herein are not even described scientifically. I studied fisheries development for years and thought I knew something about marine life, but I never knew there were so many worms and snails and tunicates out there, let alone did I ever see them or photos of them. Everyone interested in nature or biology should have this book, or at least look at it, just to see what amazing things there are in the world. It is of interest far beyond the narrow confines of Northwest Coast shores.

so I'm no expert on marine life, but I'm very interested in the subject. I got this book and had high expectations that were more than met. The photography is excellent, the organization is excellent, and the contents extensive. I really like how they tell you both the common and the scientific names, and how they have some short descriptions of behaviors or charactoristics. I actually got it for my boyfriend because he wants to study to be a marine biologist and i saw the other reviews by people who were in related fields, and they made it sound like a book that would be useful even to an expert but not only useful to an expert. And it is. He loves the book (says its one of the best gifts he has ever gotten) and was very impressed by the quality of the contents, he uses it all the time. Bottom line the book is awesome i would reccommend it to ANYONE who loves ocean life.

This book is a blessing for us tidepool/beach explorers in the Pacific Northwest because of its wonderful, clear photographs. It saves us many hours of tedious and frustrating puzzling over technical jargon trying to figure out the identity of whatever amazing creature has captured our hearts. The volunteers at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington have already practically worn out their first copy from looking up critters and plants that show up in the tanks via the flow-through seawater system. Many mysteries have been solved, and many fascinating tidbits of natural history gleaned to share with the visitors to the exhibits. Books like this will open the eyes of a society blind to our own environment, like the Peterson guides did a couple generations ago.
All praises and cliches apply: "a picture is worth a thousand words", "greatly needed and long over-do"... Consider this a definite rave review for a timely book. Now all we need is a waterproof edition!

This book is a must for any racing historian. Meticulously researched with great photos. Excellent work.

What Harry A. Miller invented, Mr. Offenhauser and Mr. Goosen tweaked to a truly magnificent piece of technology. As I commented about Mr. Miller's expertise, the same goes for Mr. Offenhauser and Mr. Goosen: "Thanks" regards dave

Gordon Eliot White's excellent book on the superb Offenhauser racing engine is a must-have for anyone with even the slightest interest in the remarkable "Offy". Technical excellence and superb design allowed the Offenhauser almost absolute domination at the highest levels of auto racing, for a phenomenal span of more than 50 years.

The Offy was far, far ahead of its time, in the days when double-overhead cams and 16 valves in an inline four-cylinder engine was an exotic design. The "little four with the big punch" was practically invincible in fair head-to-head competition. It took hidden deals and special targeted rules changes to finally "rulebook" the Offy off racetracks. The big auto names with the deep pockets, investing tens of millions of dollars in high-tech quad-cam 32-valve V8's, did not like having them blown off the track by a 4-cylinder engine design more than 50 years old!

In 1975, Porsche engineers analyzed an Offenhauser. The engineers were understandably impressed by the 1000 HP Offenhauser. But they were astounded most by the Offy's ability to maintain high power over a long RPM range. The long power band was clearly a clue to the Offy's legendary ability to launch cars out of turns, and almost certainly the reason the Offy was practically invincible on the racetrack. After analyzing the Offy, Porsche decided against fielding an Indianapolis race team. The famous Porsche 6-cylinder "Boxer" engine, simply could not compete with the long, powerful torque range of the Offenhauser, unless it was allowed far more displacement than the Offy.

Over its long racing history of more than half a century, the Offenhauser 4-cylinder raced head-to-head against a fantastic array of engines, including big NASCAR V8's, jet turbines, Cummins turbo-diesels, formula-one engines, and many other exotic power plants. When all competitors were governed by the same rules, the normally-aspirated 255 cid Offy's dominated race after race, reigning supreme against all challengers.

From 1965 to 1971, as the turbocharged era arrived at Indianapolis, and the front-engined Indy roadster was made obsolete by the new rear-engined cars, the normally-aspirated Offy's long Indy domination ended. The Meyer-Drake shop building the engine began perfecting the Offy-turbo, and adapted it to rear-engined use. The rear-mounted Offy-turbo roared back with consecutive Indy wins in 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76, signaling that the short interruption of Offenhauser domination at the brickyard had ended.

It was not to be. From 1977 on, it appears that "back-room" deals resulting in rules changes specifically targeted at the Offenhauser, effectively rulebooked the engine out of competition. A small engine shop like Meyer-Drake, lacked the deep pockets required to have the "persuasive" clout of the big manufacturers.

Effectively blocked from fair competition, Meyer-Drake's operations slowly ceased. The Offenhauser 4-cylinder then passed into history.

More than a quarter of a century has now passed. The primeval, deep guttural roar, that signalled Offenhauser domination, is only a memory.

It appears, however, that the Offy still rules in absence.

In the years following the Offy's forced retirement, 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engines have not been permitted in Indy-league racing, although several manufacturers, notably Toyota, have submitted proposals. That fact speaks volumes about the incredible 50 year domination of the Offenhauser 4-cylinder engine that proved time and time again that it could not be beaten when the same rules applied to all.

just when I thought I knew a little bit about the Offy, along comes this book to kick me down a notch! This was a truly amazing effort on the part of the writers/editors, as there is SO MUCH info here, tons and tons of forgotten photos and blueprints and drawings that had to be gathered up. It was amazing to follow the story of the Offy from start to finish, accompanied by all the great pictures. What I liked most is that the story wasn't dry and boring like you'd expect an entire book about an engine to be. It was truly a wonderful history!

The Offenhauser is arguably the most successful racing engine ever designed, and this book traces its earliest incarnation (when it was the "Miller") to the last turbo-charged days...Inbetween it powered an staggering number of conseutive Indy 500 winners, plus AAA/USCA sprint and midget champions, not to mention IMCA and amazingly even some road racing wins (not to mention possibly the least succesful grand prix car of all time, the Scarab) The "techie" will find loads of specs, cross-sections, and line drawings, the vintage race fans plenty of photos of the cars of the era. (Note to the author: a larger color section in the next edition please.)A really great addition to those of us interested in the history of auto racing....

I started riding streetluge after seeing this exciting sport on T.V. and I figured I could just build a 'luge and go. I went that route and I was wrong, I had a dangerous machine and no idea of the safety issues involved and was injured. After one of the top pro's told me about this book I went out and bought it and have never looked back. This book has all the information about the sport of streetluging that you will need to get started the right way. And it covers all aspects of the sport from building your 'luge to riding technique and picking roads & safety equipment. If you have any questions this book will answer them. Consider this as THE BEST resource a beginner can have (And even some of the experianced riders I know could benefit from going back and re-reading this book) So if you are getting started or just thinking about it, get this book and you wont be sorry. It set me on the road to riding in national level events and competing with the same guys I had only seen on T.V. before.

Simply a "must read" for anyone who wants to luge, wants to learn about luge or is curious about this extreme sport. Well written by someone not only knowledgable about the sport, but able to teach it from the basics to the expert level.

The Street Luge Survival Guide is a "must read" for everyone who has ever piloted or wanted to pilot a Street Luge or Buttboard. Darren Lott's Book is the definitive manual of the Street Luge experience and how to do it safely. It contains the necessary information needed to get safely involved in this extreme sport, including: history, equipment, safety gear, Luge design, organizations, racing techniques and much more. From beginner to expert, this book has something for everyone.

The only way to get into the sport of Street Luge is to jump right in. Before you do though you should read how to do it right the first time. Darren offers tips on construction - including some great inexpensive boards that will get you rolling in a short time - safety, technique, science and accident analysis. This is one of those books that offer substance, not a cursory view of the sport like so many books on the market today. I wish this book were out when I started in the sport. It would have saved me countless hours and pounds of flesh.

I am new to the sport, racing now only a little over one year. I have, however, been in the X-games in San Francisco, and will be again in this years 2000' event. I'm coming off a second place position in the Red Bull DHX in South Africa and am looking forward to a great season racing streetluge. I have read this book cover to cover more than once. It has helped me ride safely and faster and answered questions that, lets face it, most people don't know the answers to. Whether or not you want to ride in competitions, or just want to have a ton of fun on the street, this book will help you learn about set-up, safe riding, road selection, buying a luge, wheels, trucks, competitions etc... Most importantly.... the book may well save some skin on needless mistakes you might make. Have Fun!

Since I'm not a big horse fan, I wasn't to excited when I checked this book out. When I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It's so well written, everything is described well and you get a real feel for the characterS, Especially the main character: Theo. It's inspiring, and shows that sometimes the same dream can take a different same. I definitly recommend this book toanyone, especially girls, horselovers, or aspiring writters between the ages of 8 and 15

being the first book I've ever cried to while reading, to race a dream holds a special place in my heart. I read it the first time when I was about 12, and I loved it. Now i'm 17 and even though I'm not a horsegirl anymore I still love it. it's also quite fun that there's a swede in it.. go sweden.. :P

"Girls can't drive harness horses," Theo muttered. "Stupid."
Theo loves pacing horses. Every day she stares off to the International Stock Feed Farm and dreams of horses. But her mother doesn't think horses are worthwhile. She's always talking about Theo's wonderful sister Claudia. Theo is furious. Then, when her sister becomes ill with polio, Theo slips away, dressed as a boy, to get a lousy job of picking things up around the stable. She meets Dan Patch, her idol horse, but it is still a tall ladder to her dream of driving--but Theo decides to climb it. But how long can she live a lie?
This book is excellent. It makes you feel like you are really there and feeling Theo's emotions. You can almost hear the horses snorting, see the sweat shine on Dan Patch's bay flanks, and smell the horse sweat. You can feel the horror of Claudia's sickness and the joy of meeting legendary pacers. A great introduction to the somewhat unpopular world of harness racing.

Since I'm not a big horse fan, I wasn't too excited when I checked this book out. When I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It's so well written, everything is described well and you get a real feel for the characters, especially the main character: Theo. It's inspiring, and shows that sometimes the same dream can take a different shape. There's a good romance going on throughout the book, which adds to it's charm. I definitly recommend this book toanyone, especially girls, horselovers, or aspiring writers between the ages of 8 and 15

This is a Wonderfull book to read, because it makes you want to find your own dream, and race it also. this book is 1, a horse book. 2, Romance(sort of). 3,half real! the Author is related to a person in the book!

This book has all the info i was looking for in an easy to read format.

Hi folks,

First of all I'll have to confess that I haven't read the whole book yet, but it's a must-own book for beach-cat sailors. This book is the closest you can come to the beac-cat sailors bible.

The book has covered such a great amount fo material in an easy and explaining way, with humour as a common agent. The don't's and musts of catamaran sailing is marked with fat types so you'll easy remember wath to do or what you must never do xD .

For crew the text is often sumed up so it's easy to scum the text.

I'll say, at the end, the book is worth every penny for experienced sailors as for newbeeies. Have fun :)

I got this book a week after I entered my first race. I had raced monohulls before but this was my first cat race. Lots of amazing tips for any level. Read this before your next race and you will be sure to pick off a few more compettitors..... I learned a lot and can use the tactics and techniques every time I go sailing wether I am racing or not. I would strongly recomend this book.

Rick White is the master of communicating how to sail a catamaran. This book mirrors his seminars and videos. I think the video series might even be an even better starting point for most catamaran sailors because much of book is about how-to activities that should be visualized and practiced.

A very well rounded book that covers the fundamentals, as well as specific hints on the various boats out there (Prindle, Nacra, Hobie, etc.). While it is not designed to be a "cheat sheet" on going fast, there are a few things I re-read - namely off-wind tactics. Due to the inherent differences between Cats and monos, there are a few things I needed to un-learn to get faster. I'm no Worrell 1000 winner, but this book has moved me from the "How do they get so far ahead?" to "nipping at their heels". And it has certainly helped fill the trophy case..

The section on spinnakers is a little weak, but still will get you going downwind fast.

All in all, this book will teach the intermediate sailor (or advanced sailor with little cat experience) enough to stay within sight of the pack leaders. The rest you'll have to learn from those guys. Tuning your rig/tactics/crew is what wins races, and these are so varied that it's actually better that the book doesn't cover this - so not as to confuse sailors too much.

SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the publishing date, this book is sadly lax in it's instruction on several newer boats - namely the I-20, F-18 class, Hobie Tiger/Fox. Several new ideas have emerged that seem to work, but you'll have to learn that on your own out on the course! ;-)

Ok, I'm not giving this one 5 stars b/c I'm pictured in the book, but because it is a great visual story of the great sport of NASCAR. Since the fans are heart of NASCAR, it is essential that they have a place in this book. Scott did a fabulous job (aside from spelling my name wrong even after he verified it-typo?)
The crisp, bright pictures pull you in with each viewing.

If you love Talladega, Bristol, Lowe's Motor Speedway and all those other haunts where NASCAR is a religious experience, then you will enjoy seeing Scott Robinson's up-close and personal images of the real people who make auto racing an authentic part of life in the United States in the early twenty-first century.

Robinson's camera lens has a point of view that is at once affectionate and straightforward. He neither condescends nor fawns, but he does thoroughly document with the fervor of a true believer in NASCAR.

I received this book at Christmas and have been pleased to keep it on the coffee table. To me the most interesting sections are not about the cars but the fans. Nice quality printing and binding. Some text but mostly its about the photography, which is very good. This will appeal to racing fans of all ages..

Outstanding coverage of the "other side" of a great subject. Very impressive that Mr. Robinson did the writing as well as the visual reporting. Nice visual rhythm page after page. He has captured some wonderful "blink-of-the-eye" moments to savor again and again. judy sawyer & chip maury send

Scott Robinson's photographs and essays provide a fresh and welcome perspective on the world of NASCAR, one that is more personal and intimate than I'd previously seen. I enjoyed his photographs tremendously, and found the essays insightful and engaging. The pictures are both vivid and warm, and anyone who has even a passing interest in auto racing and NASCAR is going to love this book!

My father 'Donnell A. Sullivan', is written up many times in this history of fords racing. He wasone of the five engineers hired by Mr. Henry Fordto design the first V8 Engine in l932. He worked on MANY FORD Motor racing projects up until his death in l994 at age 89, he is a legend thru out the world and is a member of the hall of fame. I need a copy as soon as possible, it would mean needless to say a lot to me. Patty Sullivan (daughter)

This book was a terrific detailed history of Ford Motor Company racing through 1967. For anybody who loves fast cars, Fords and lived through the debut of the Mustang, the Cobra, and the GT40 that won at Le Mans this is a terrific read. A friend who is a car buff recommended it and while it took a while to get through (640+ pages) it was worth the effort. It also makes you appreciate the advance in publishing that have taken place since 1968 when this book first appeared. The pictures are grainy and don't do justice to the drivers, the cars or the author's fine writing.

My father 'Donnell A. Sullivan', is written up many times in this history of fords racing. He wasone of the five engineers hired by Mr. Henry Fordto design the first V8 Engine in l932. He worked on MANY FORD Motor racing projects up until his death in l994 at age 89, he is a legend thru out the world and is a member of the hall of fame. I need a copy as soon as possible, it would mean needless to say a lot to me. Patty Sullivan (daughter)

Wow. This is a fabulous story told by a skillful writer. The people and the technology support each other, and "Ford" as a theme takes the story through early racing, hot rodding, Indy, NASCAR, and Europe. The research that Levine put into the book shows, and he (or his editor) is skilled enough to know exactly when to step aside and let the source material tell the story.

And what a value! 640 pages for $..., compared to <200 pages for a typical auto racing book.

This is a wonderful book, essential for any true racing enthusiast. The author weaves the various threads of racing development -- worldwide in scope -- form Dearborn to Oregon to Argentina to California to Europe. The only disapointment in this edition is the rather poor reproduction of the photographs...

A very informative book about a very special group of airplanes. Clearly building the replica plane (and debunking a few myths about the original) was a labor of love for the authors, and it shows.

Take an exciting trip back via the replication of The Gee Bee. Relive the nail biting expectations of the Gee Bee design and the myths that were dispelled in the modern version of this 1930's air racing phenomenon. Enjoy the next best way to fly the Gee Bee, short of being in the cockpit.

I have the rare privilage to work with Delmar on a daily basis on aircraft. I have as well been blessed to fly with him on several occasions. He is as calm and cool in the cockpit as he is in the book. He has a video version of the book as well, and both complement each other so well that one will want to read the book, and see the video.

As for the book, it is an easy read, it is a story of a dream that anyone who has ever flown or wanted to fly will identify with. It's a romantic story of a by gone era when flying was the cutting edge of science, and the world made hero's of individuals with names like Lindburg, Doolittle, and Amelia Earheart. Delmar as a man has earned his niche in aviation history and folklore by not only dreaming about the golden era of aviation racing; he has built his dream and lived it. This is the type of man he is. The book inspired me to live my dreams too, and with his encouragement I will soon do that. Thank you Delmar, for being my friend, and for sharing your dreams with the world at large.

This is a book well worth reading, and for having. I keep mine on the living room coffee table for all to see. How I would love to be talented enough to fly the beast .....

This book will tell you how the dream of building an authentic GB replica came true.It has great pictures of both the construction phase and flying/airshow status.

This book cuts to the things that matter and show you how they did it! It's a must have if you love the Gee Bee.

this book had me looking foward to reading page to page-didn't want the book to end...

We continue to be completely satisfied with the excellent service we receive through Amazon.com and its affiliates. Everything is sent quickly (usually ahead of the estimated delivery date), cleanly, in excellent condition, and exactly as advertised. Thank all those involved with this process.

This book is a must have. It takes a look back at some of the greatest moments of Saratoga's top class racing. It is written so well, that you can not put the book down even if the president of the United States called. I strongly advise you buy this book because, if you don't, you will miss a once in a lifetime reading opportunity.

Bill Heller, Graveyard of Champions: Saratoga's Fallen Favorites (Eclipse Press, 2002)
There are few things in racing that one can count on. Churchill Downs (and certain other tracks) are notorious horse-for-course tracks, and you can count on a parade of longshots the crowd ignores who have previously raced well over the track. Artificial surfaces and speed biases do not mix. Horse owned by the Sheikhs will be retired at the end of their three-year-old seasons. These things just happen, as regular as clockwork.

There's another one, the oldest of them all: odds-on favorites in graded stakes races will fall at Saratoga. And you know what they say about the bigger and the harder. Hardly a year has gone by (if one ever has) where at least one odds-on favorite hasn't delivered the goods at the Spa. Sometimes they lose by a nose, sometimes they finish dead last, but they all have one thing in common: they don't win. The roster of horses who have dropped the bit, sucked dirt, bid and hung, flattened, fell victim to a cuppy track, whatever your euphemism is, and the roster of America's greatest horses sure does have a lot of overlap in it. The two best horses in the history of American racing both got stomped at Saratoga, both by horses who never did a damned thing otherwise. That's the stuff legends are made of.

Bill Heller attempts to make sense of the legend, applying some research and codification to the track tales. And you know what he found out? There really is some kind of a jinx on top-class horses at Saratoga. He runs a list (how comprehensive it is, I don't know) at the back of this book of odds-on favorites who have failed in stakes races at Saratoga over the years. It's a long, long list, and it looks a lot longer when you remember that Saratoga's meet runs three to five weeks every year. A list this long at someplace like Calder or Thistledown, tracks that run nine months of every year, wouldn't be a big thing. But Saratoga?

The book is more a collection of articles than a book, really; the stories of some of those favorites and the races in which they failed. If you like really good descriptions of races past, there are few better at writing those descriptions than Bill Heller. It's hard to make a description of a harness race pulse-pounding, but Heller's recounting of "the weirdest race in Saratoga Harness history" works, and it works well. (The accompanying photo is terrifying. It's hard to believe anyone, or anything, survived, much less that both horse and driver walked away almost uninjured. Even more so when you realize that harness horses do this sort of thing far more rarely than thoroughbreds.) And, of course, it would be hard to not recount Secretariat's losses to Prove Out and Onion, or Man o' War's to Upset, and not captivate readers.

What seemed to be missing, to me, was a greater sense of unity than just "look at how these horses fared." A couple of summary chapters that took a more statistically-minded approach would have been an excellent addition here, a closer look at the bigger picture before (or after) the individual stories. But this is not to take away from those individual stories, which are classics. *** ½

I found this book a very exciting read for anybody in horse racing. This book is suitable for fans, horseman, and executives. Saratoga has a long history as the place where many great horses have been sent to the "Graveyard". This book is well detailed, filled with facts, and contains quotes from people who have played a strong role at Saratoga. This book is as great as the track itself.

This is a really good book for my grandchild who loves the Appaloosa. Arrived in excellent condition and will be appreciated.
I also purchased a second Appaloosa book by Llynn Stone which was obviously a library book and I don't feel that I can pass this one on to my granddaughter as it's content is too weak.

Cheryl's book has managed to eloquently portray the beauty of the appaloosa, with colorful and captivating photos of the breed! The stories are heartwarming and lovely. This is a fantastic book for appaloosa and horse lovers everywhere.

Cheryl has put together an outstanding composite of wonderful photography, interesting facts and a glimpse into the history and relationships of some of those whose lives are entwined with one of the greatest breeds of horses to grace this planet.

The photography is captivating and the fact she gives ample credit to those artist whose works grace her creation is refreshing.

A book for every coffee table.

If you love Appaloosa's or just love horses in general you will love this book. Beautifully done with lovely photos and inspirational stories. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Cheryl really captured the spirit of the Appaloosa.

Book just arrived, and WOW! An absolute must for every horse lover's coffee table! And requirement for Appaloosa lovers for sure! A work of art laced with photos!