Racing Books

In the 50s and 60s we had the Coventry Climax 750cc race engine for cars. The present day equiv. is the Reliant 750/850. This book covers that engine completely and in depth.

Agility is a dog sport which depends on human/dog body language and interactions, and AGILITY START TO FINISH is the perfect place to cover that interaction process. Four sections cover all aspects of agility, from training puppies to handling dogs through courses and understanding how obstacles are set up. All levels of dog owners will appreciate the detailed coverage, making for a top recommendation for any library strong in pet training titles.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book tells the tale of the rise of one of Ireland's greatest professional cyclists, Stephen Roche. It is co-authored by David Walsh, who also wrote the definitive biography of Ireland's other great professional cyclist, Sean Kelly.

Roche describes his humble beginnings as a milk man apprentice for his father through his rise through the ranks to become only the second cyclist to win the "Triple Crown," the Tour of Italy, The Tour of France and the World Championship in 1987.

Packed with details only an insider would know, Roche and Walsh have written a highly entertaining and informative book about the world of professional cycling, the greatest sport in the world.

Ainslie writes with wit, grace, clarity, and conviction. That he is the acknowledged master of handicapping theory in his generation is also significant. His gentle humor and dignity is unmatched in today's handicapping writers. If you are new to horse racing and paramutuel betting, you can do no better than starting with the best.

Though this guide was released in the late 1970's, I consider this to be the most important book written on Harness Racing. The book is well written and interesting, it is not an angles on gambling on races type of book. Instead it is an honest straight forward approach to attending Harness Racing and understanding the sport, its history and creating speed ratings from the racing program. Even regular attendees of the races can learn from this book, and enjoy the read as well.

After a fourteen year hiatus, the National Championship Air Races were revived at Reno, Nevada in 1964. This event showcases racing teams who push the envelope of aerodynamic improvements and modify their 2,000 and 3,000 horsepower engines to make their aircraft as fast as possible in competition with the others. The racers are classified into six groups: Formula 1, Biplane, Sport, T-6, Jets, and Unlimiteds. Profusely illustrated with full color photography, "Air Racing over Reno: The World's Fastest Motorsport" by Philip Handleman is the fascinating, deftly written, and informative story of this unique aviation event and very highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in aviation.

Besides the excellent photos, a true pictorial guide to Reno, the writing as the truly conveys the poetry that surrounds the human endeavor of the races. It is a real testimonial to the races, a passioned look at them, the machines, flyers, ground crew and everyone that make Reno happen. So, much more than a dry text, Handleman really achieved a text where we can almost feel the electric razor sharp voltage that makes your hair raise with excitement, the feeling that something greater is happening. For the air race enthusiast this should be a great book, because of the photos and the text. If looking for something more detailed, with listings of winners, secret engine setups or deep data on racing history this isn't the best choice. For the feeling of it then this is a must, one can almost here the roaring of the engines jumping out of the pages.

This book was just released and is already on backorder! Just having got mine I now know why: It's terrific! Packed with vintage pictures it covers the development history of the Tipo 33 from 1964 to 1977. A must for any vintage racing buff.

Perhaps the best book on this subject from someone who rides the horses, knows the business, and how to bet!

NASCAR driver Jake Henson takes refuge near the White River in Arkansas Ozarks National Forest; he is physically recovering from a boating accident that left him injured and his best friend dead. Next door to the cabin he borrowed is Stacy Carter, and her Yorkie Oscar; she borrowed her brother's cabin to escape the media who have made her, daughter of a notorious politician, into an amazon because she disarmed a thief.

Oscar introduces the temporary neighbors to one another. Each is instantly attracted, but both hides their history from one another as he believes she detests publicity and she assumes he will detest her roots. Besides this is a short fling in the hills. Neither expected love to meet them at the finish line, but though they must reveal what they concealed, they fear the relationship will end once the checkered flag is dropped.

ALMOST FAMOUS is a fun contemporary romance starring two celebrities taking a respite from fame. Jake and Stacy are likable characters while Oscar is cute as he believes he is a raging Doberman. Fans will enjoy the story of two people hiding critical parts of their résumés from their beloved.

Harriet Klausner