Racing Books

Crash Burn Love: Demolition Derby is a gallery of black-and-white photographs, embellished with a couple of brief essays by photography expert and sports enthusiast Bill Lowenburg. Crash Burn Love strives to capture not only the thrill of demolition derbies, but the lives and feelings of the men and women who participate. Some crash for money; some for the thrill of the sport; some for the feeling of surviving the incredible. The timeless still images range from a shattered car converted into a roadside sign, to people hard at work on their demolition vehicles, to blurred moments of intense action, to portraits of pit crews and competitors. A superb giftbook for any demolition derby enthusiast.

Crash Burn Love: Demolition Derby is a gallery of black-and-white photographs, embellished with a couple of brief essays by photography expert and sports enthusiast Bill Lowenburg. Crash BUrn Love strives to capture not only the thrill of demolition derbies, but the lives and feelings of the men and women who participate. Some crash for money; some for the thrill of the sport; some for the feeling of surviving the incredible. The timeless still images range from a shattered car converted into a roadside sign, to people hard at work on their demolition vehicles, to blurred moments of intense action, to portraits of pit crews and competitors. A superb giftbook for any demolition derby enthusiast.

Small Press Bookwatch from The Midwest Book Review

Crash Burn Love: Demolition Derby
Photographs and Essays by Bill Lowenburg

"Mayhem is just the song that allows us all to dance."
-Bill Lowenburg

It's funny that I got this book right after reading Chuck Palahniuk's new book "Rant" because they both involve demolition derby and amazing visuals. Chuck's book is more of a twisted disturbing visual of the sport while Bill's book shows us the beauty of destruction but they both open the eyes of the reader to a new reality.

The essays in this book sound as though they are written directly to the reader, it's a spoken word book and I can hear Bills voice as I read it. When I first flipped through I saw pictures of dirty people, mechanics, and blue-collar workers; after reading Bills essays, I see sons, daughters, loved-ones, and family. His voice takes away every stereotype that could be put on these people and shows that there's a lot more to life than a job or a boss that doesn't understand what a catalytic converter is.

Bills humor is dry and scattered perfectly throughout the book. When the reader isn't in awe of the photography telling its own story, they are on a rollercoaster of smiles and self-analysis. A line that one of the derby drivers said that really sparked something in me was "the family that demos together, stays together." This wasn't just a sport or a time to get frustration out; it was a time to get together with family and friends. Many of the drivers spend hours putting their cars together and taking them apart again with friends and family, so, maybe they're on to something.

Attention to detail is apparent in his writing as well as his photographs. After eight seasons watching and interacting with these drivers, Bill has found something that many of us would have entirely missed if we went to one or two derbys, and that's that demolition derby isn't about destruction, it's about life, love, and camaraderie.

Flipping through the pages of the book, which are full of black and white photos from various derbys, the reader realizes that many of the spectators want to see the legs sticking out of the hood of one car to be smashed by a car named "Fender Bender," but where Bill was, behind the scenes, a young woman kisses a man before the race with love. The contrasts of reality of these races is explained in the writing and elaborated on in the photographs which can be called nothing but beautiful.

In his last essay of the book, Bill shows the past, present, and future of demolition derby. While its beginnings are uncertain Bill believes that its future is bright. With books like this and "Rant," as well as specials on TBS about the sport, we should all be so lucky to catch a glimpse at the reality of demolition derby. This book deserves a look by anyone that wants to find beauty in a world full of anything but.

Bill Lowenburg's book captures Demolition Derbies like nothing I've seen before. It is exciting, epic, and beautiful. The photos not only capture the crashes but also the drivers and fans. You can tell they were taken not only by an amazing photographer but by a true fan of derbies and the result is exceptional. In the months when there are no derbies by me, it doesn't get any better than looking through "Crash Burn Love" . This is a must have for fans of demolition derbies and Ameircana but the quality of the images makes it perfect for anyone interested in photography

This photo-documentary is very unique. I have never seen a collection of photographs quite like it. It is also a great resource to own. I have been using Lowenburg's essays and referring to the photographs in my American Photography and Visual Studies courses in college. When left out on my desk, my guests pick it up, leaf through it, and comment on its quality. I would recommend it to everyone.

UPDATE! Here's a review from Book News:

At the heart of this book are 80 extraordinary b&w photos (presented in a
10x9.5 inches format) depicting people, cars, and scenes of demolition
derbies. The photos are aesthetic, intimate, and compelling - curiously
delightful for outsiders, and a celebration of the familiar for those
involved in the sport. Photographer/writer Bill Lowenburg also includes an
essay on the history of these events and a bibliography listing books,
magazine articles, films, and websites. (Annotation C2007 Book News Inc.
Portland, OR)

This book does an excellent job on how an engine works and all the theories behind them. I have never read a book like this. It explains things in plain English which a person can understand without an engineering degree but it goes enough into detail to allow how to extract more power from engines. In the last section of the book it gives examples of engines, although some of these engines out of date, they were kings at their time and still apply to today engines.

I am a NC State student, and I cheeked this book out from the library here at school. I just have to say this is the best book I have ever read. I have had it only a few days now and I have already read around 150 pages. I can't put it down. I wish I had to read this in school instead of something like Withering Heights (It was a good book too, no car stuff though). But hey, what am I doing this for I need to get back to reading... So my suggestion is that you buy this book, or at least check it out like me. Who ever said that a library was not a cool place? I would also recommend buying and MGB.

Absolutely awesome book! A book that is a must, for the library of every mechanic or racer. Even if you are just a enthusiast, the book is incredibly informing, whether you are a certified mechanic or just an everyday driver, that wants to know what's going on inside the engine. I've owned the book for years, and I plan on buying a new copy, to give to my son, when he hits the driving age. This book is a must, for any engine builder, from the weekeng warrior to Nascar or the IRL. This book is a must!

It's a book necessary to any racing engineer- it's kind of a "Bible" for racing engine related technicians

I bought this book back in 1979, a year after I got my driver's license, 4 months after I bought my 396 Chevy, and about a month after a buddy of mine dropped a Car Craft Magazine on my desk in open class in High School, thus starting a life-long passion with cars and motorsports.

At that time I was thirsty for "true" knowledge about engines, especially high-performance engines, and quickly came to the conclusion I wasn't going to get that from my buddies who inanely swore that their 2-barrel 350 Novas were turning 10-second 1/4-miles ("I'm certain of it man, I clocked it myself"). This book was reviewed in a Road & Track issue, I picked it up, and became truly educated about all facets of basic engine design and the physics and principles behind true horsepower production.

I found the text easy to read and understand, and the delivery of information, although technical, certainly not above anyone's understanding. This is not a "get out your slide rule" type of book; but it does lay things out in a clear, direct manner, making it easy to absorb and understand, even as a newby 17 year-old gearhead.

Even though we've seen a tremendous advance in engineering regarding the internal combustion engine since 1979, to this day the principles delivered in this book ring true. You cannot go wrong, nor do I think you can do better, than starting here on your quest for horsepower knowledge--learn the basics first, and go from there. (For real slide-rule stuff, consult the book Scientific Design of Exhaust and Intake Systems, to learn where the heart of any internal combustion engine resides.)

I still have guys my age swearing that they're doing truly unbelievable things with a certain engine and car; the crazy stories never fade, but you'll do better than tell stories after learning what this book has to say.

I have to agree with the other reviewers. First Mate is a wonderful, well written book. Ms. Ketcham spins a great story and one you shouldn't miss. I can't wait to read more books by this talented author!

"FIRST MATE is a captivating read. Ms. Ketcham captures the sailing world in such vibrant detail that you will feel yourself aboard Pazzazz. Even more compelling is the battle Lee faces every day with her weight and self-esteem. This flawed heroine will steal your heart just as she steals Jason's. Pick this book up for a read that isn't tried and true but fresh and fun."

"Fresh as a brisk wind from the sea, FIRST MATE is a delightful book that deals with Leann's problems, her self-discovery, and final knowledge that she is, indeed, a beautiful, desirable woman. Thank you, Ms. Ketcham, for your sensitivity, your knowledge of the sea and sailing, and for a book I enjoyed thoroughly. You are, indeed, a rising star in the land of romance writers."

"The sense of excitement and the sheer demand of crewing on a sailboat is brought to life on the pages of FIRST MATE. The sizzling tension between Jason and Lee practically boils the ocean surrounding them."

"FIRST MATE is one of the best written books of the year! It has it all: delightful and charming characters, a plot that runs before the wind, and the craftsmanship of a master storyteller. Give us more, please!" --Romance Communications **WINNER of Reviewers Choice and Readers' Choice Award

Dick Francis is one of my very favorite writers and therefore, you guessed it, it was great! I am always looking and waiting for one of his books to come out. I recommend it.

Daniel Roke has spent his life being responsible for his siblings after the death of their parents. He is seduced by the Earl of October to leave Australia and enter to world of English racing to uncover a ring who are fixing races with an undetectable substance.
Dick Francis in FOR KICKS digs deep into the working arena of stakes racing for a look at the grueling life of a stable lad. The road isn't easy for Daniel as in the end he fights for his life.
Frances's characters are set as self-reliant beings who slough off adversity and get the job done. A great read for the thriller fan.
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and QUALIFYING LAPS.

I agree completely with the other reviewers. This is a terrific suspense novel that happens to give insight into British racing, the class system and each and every character. While I have read all the Dick Francis books, this is the one that I go back to and reread every year or so. Its quiet, understated tone still builds up to suspense and excitement.

His earlier books (like this one) are the best, as far as I am concerned, and the most recent one or two are not worth reading.

p.s. On a visit to England, I took great joy in going to Newmarket and watching the horses out for practice early in the morning. It felt as if I was in the middle of a Dick Francis book. My husband and daughter, also fans, felt the same.

Intellectuals may scorn him, moderns may call him dated, but they don't know what they're missing. You can always depend on Dick Francis for engrossing adventure with just the right amount of philosophical underpinnings. Enjoy!

You have to have read a couple of Dick Francis' novels before you understand the author. In a way he stands alone, for as far as I can tell he has not overtly used other writers styles and no contemporary writer has used Francis as a primary influence. All of Francis' books follow a similar arc, from one to the next, you know exactly what you will get. But in a strange way, this is not bothersome, instead it is like revisiting an old familiar and comfortable place.

Francis' books are not in a series format. He only uses the same character for a second time once. In his first ten or so books, he uses a particular jockey to set his story around. And later he finds people of different professions that have racing interests to center stories around. This book, "For Kicks" is from the transitional phase, the late 60's, early 70's. It tells the story of Daniel Roke, a trainer from Australia who is hired to uncover a doping ring that is not being detected through traditional meathods. Its a pretty simple story, and like all of Francis' work it is refreshingly understated. With James Patterson and Patricia Cornwells mamoth body counts and terrorising serial killers, or end of the world scenarios ala Tom Clancy and too many others influencing todays reading lists, its amazing to see how much quiet tension builds up in Francis' stories.

I would highly recommend Francis to anyone. Its a fun world to live in for a while, where all of England revolves around the racing world... every other profesion comes second. I remember how much I loathed the idea of Francis before I first read him and I laugh now at my perception of what his books would be about. I mean, how can one author base a huge series of mysteries on racing horses? Dick Francis does so quite well.

This authors beautiful heart, comes out on paper. I recommend this to mothers and schoolteachers everywhere. - ThriftyMrKikster@aol.com

This authors beautiful heart, comes out on paper. I recommend this to mothers and schoolteachers everywhere. ilwjcmtty.

Looking for a book to teach your children good morals, along with great fun. Look no further. I enjoyed this book very much. So did my younger brother whom I read too. I wish there were more Children Authors like this is Europe. Great for Kindergarden teachers! If you know of any other books by Taramesha Maniatty, please let me know at gruven@europe.com

Glory Trail brings across a great lesson for children, as well as an exciting story! From day one to the finish line, This best seller by Taramesha Maniatty, is a heart warming book for you and your children to enjoy, time and again!

WOW, This author takes the words off the page, and brings them to life! My children beg me to read this book to them every winter! A great book for children of all ages, with a wonderful lesson for all of us! I recommend this book to those who love to read to there children! I hope this Author writes more for the future!

For horse racing fans like me, this was an astounding book. Two things stood out: (1) horses ran two-out-three heats at four miles for each race and (2) the size of the crowd (which would not be topped for another 100 years in America for ANY sporting event!).

It was interesting to find out what the horse racing world in the early 19th was like and author John Eisenberg gives us an informative-and-fun to read report. The culture is so different, obviously, from today that it makes for fascinating reading.

It's also very suspenseful. By the time the author gets to the famous May, 1823 match race between Eclipse and Sir Henry, you can barely stand it, wondering who would win. The stories about the jockeys, alone, is worth the price of the book. The atmosphere at the race track is incredible, too.

Not just horse racing, but people who enjoy a good read about American history should come away smiling after reading The Great Match Race.
Eisenberg also wrote another excellent horse racing book about "Native Dancer," and that's highly-recommended, too.

This book resurrects the long forgotten story of the first national sports event in the new United States. After the race, Sam Purdy was as famous as anyone in America. He was never again allowed to pay for a cab ride in New York and was buried with honor in the Churchyard at St. Paul's Chapel on Wall Street. His son, who went on to become California's first elected Lt. Governor, recounts the familiar story of the race years later in his biography. Although Mr. Eisenberg appears to take some liberties with the thoughts and emotions of the principals (and it would be nice to know how much is based on the record and how much is artistic license), it is a great story well told. The significance of the event in the America of 1823 is beyond doubt. The huge wagers and the systems of flags and riders to carry news of the outcome back to the City reflect the enormous public interest in the race. Although many have noted the rivalry in the North-South match races prefigured the Civil War, at the time the race caught the public's imagination not because of what it would lead to, but for the same reasons that national sporting events do today. John Eisenberg brings us back to the rail of the Union Course and captures all the excitement of the great race.

It is May 1823 and an early volley in the Civil War is about to be fired. Not through militant action, but rather in a Thoroughbred match race with the best runner of the North matching strides against a Southern challenger.

Author John Eisenberg brings to life what was more than just a race from the start, as 60,000 fans jammed into a New York race course to watch the best-of-three series - each race a grueling four miles - featuring Eclipse (North) against Henry (South). There is more riding on the race then hefty bets and prize money; the winner will bring a major public relations coup to the economic and social standards of one region.

Slavery is a primary focus, as it is the blood, sweat and tears of those in bondage who enrich the southern plantation owners, which gives them the financial resources for stables of Thoroughbred runners. It is also slave grooms and jockeys who are responsible for the racers, with the consequences oftentimes very severe if they don't bring home a winner.

Eisenberg weaves the story through the horse owners, jockeys & runners, the business interests which pushed hard for the race and the controversial early years of Thoroughbred racing in this nation. He does an outstanding job in explaining the nuances of racing and the historical dynamic of the times.

The book is a classic exploration in the storm clouds that form when sports meets politics and the consequences which no pundit could have predicted.

The Great Match Race is a pleasing combination of a compelling, little-known story in the hands of a gifted writer. John Eisenberg immerses the reader in the early 19th century, long before spectator sports were in vogue. This is truly a story where truth is more powerful than fiction. A Hollywood script writer would be hard pressed to come up with a better story. There are enough plot twists and suspense to keep most readers totally engaged. You don't have to be interested in horse racing to enjoy this book. Eisenberg said he used his author's license to fill in some of the blanks pertaining to the events surrounding the race. He has, however, seemingly done so with restraint, which I believe makes the book better. This book deserves more recognition than it has received.

This is a terrific book, it has all you want; excellent horseracing history, create characters, fast-pace, edge of your seat urgency, and great historical background. These two horses ran the equivalent of NINE Kentucky Derbies in ONE AFTERNOON! It's really unbelievable, when you consider how pampered the breeding industry has made our thoroughbreds now. I bought five copies of this- will give it to horse fans, history fans, AND my Dad for Father's Day!

This is a touching and cute, as well as informative, book on greyhound adoption.

With a fourth grade hero, Ms. Ahrens covers not only the world of greyhounds, but the everyday struggles children have with good manners, clean rooms, homework, family and friends. It's a smooth read, with a happy ending!

Even if you've never thought about adopting a retired racing greyhound, you and your children will want to read this book.
Doris gives a wonderful explanation of the adoption process, from submitting the application to the home visit to matching the greyhound with the family. When you finish this book, you'll want to go out and meet a greyhound. And I think that is exactly what Doris intended. This is a wonderful book to share with your children/grandchildren during summer vacation. I give it 5 stars but the five greyhounds at our house give it 20 paws!!

A wonderful tale about the very special pet-hood involving retired "racers". Ms. Ahrens takes the reader through all the real-life stages of an adoption in a light-hearted and entertaining way. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was purely fiction. Ideal for teaching a young person about the process, but fun reading for anyone really.

I like books about animals. It was neat to hear how people are helping find homes for greyhounds when they can't race anymore. I learned a lot about greyhounds. The pet show was fun. I would like my school to have one too. I am in the fourth grade. Kids my age will like this book.
Katie (age 9)

I covered racing in the late 60s and early 70s and watched Wendell Scott ply his trade against incredible odds as did, I must admit, drivers with skin color appreciably lighter than Wendell's. But never in my mind did I doubt the odds he faced and this instilled me with an admiration for the man I probably should have taken the time in the intervening years to express to him personally. I didn't and I regret it.

That said, Brian Donovan has captured the story of a unique warrior in the NASCAR wars and I have a two-word review to offer:

Buy it.

HARD DRIVING will open your eyes as to the many injustices suffered by Wendell Scott. You'll discover that many of these wrong doings were perpetrated by or overlooked by officials we have been programmed to believe always had clean hands. Mr. Scott's hands were virtually tied when it came to having anyone in the hierarchy of NASCAR fight for him. You'll also read about the many good guys in the sport who came to his aid. Many (Ned Jarrett, Richard Petty, etc.) believed that he could have been a big star if only treated fairly. Read this great book both from a civil rights and humanistic perspective. I could not put it down!

Mr. Donovan has turned his reporter's eye on a dimly lit corner of the civil rights story and brought it to life. With superb story telling and exhaustive research, Mr. Donovan lays bare the racial hatred and bigotry rampant in the closed world of dirt track racing a generation ago. Jackie Robinson had it easy compared to the daunting wall of racist hatred faced by Wendell Scott. It's a true story that reads like a thriller. A story filled with the grit and determination of one man to overcome innumerable obstacles the only way he knew how--to win races. Its a factual account of a poor black man's rise from obscurity to the winner's circle set amidst the roar of engines and the dust of deeply racist Southern tracks. Through Donovan's voice, we get a whole new meaning of race in America.

I never knew or cared about race car driving (still think it's a waste of precious fuel), but when I was given this book to review, I couldn't put it down. It is the story of Wendell Scott, the courageous and remarkably dogged driver who broke NASCAR's color bar in 1952, and what it took out of him. It should be required reading for anyone of any color who appreciates the human spirit - and especially for teenagers who are too young to remember Jackie Robinson, and don't grasp what the Civil Rights Movement was all about. Read it, give it to your friends, your relatives, your kids' athletic coach. And make sure your library has a copy of the book. Richard Pryor starred in a fictionalized biofilm about Scott called "Greased Lightning" (1977).

Hard Driving is an apt title for the life story of Wendell Scott. Scott, an African American, was determined to race even though his efforts were thwarted by nearly every one involved in the racing industry of the 1950's and 1960's. The author follows Scotts travails from his youth in Danville, Virginia as a daredevil on bicycles and roller skates, through his brushes with the law as a bootleg whiskey runner, to his two decades running an unsponsored effort to race with the rapidly expanding organization NASCAR. Through his in-depth research, Donovan has put together the story of a black mans determination to do something he was very good at, despite the constant roadblocks put in his way. This book, like Scotts life, is inspiring, infuriating, and ultimately a heck of a ride.

This book is, plain and simple, the best book on what drag racing is all about. The history and facts are first rate. I learned more about the sport from this one book than all others I have read combined. This would be a fantastic documentary for TV.

The book HIGH PERFORMANCE allowed us a view into the formative and early years of our sport, complete with the games, politics and personality clashes that were in existence. There were a lot of politics by the sanctioning groups who have come and gone over the years(UDRA,AHRA,PRO), as well as those who continue with us (NHRA, IHRA). The fuel ban years are covered, the promoters clashes with the sanctioning groups were covered, and the evolution of the sport is pretty well documented with accuracy. Several people I have spoken to who were running in these early days have confirmed a lot of this books content. This book removes the lustre from the logo of the sanctioning bodies, instead exposing ulterior motives within their organization for all to see.

I think the book is incredibly accurate and deserves high marks for bringing the facts out, in a non-judgemental way, for the fans to absorb.

Robert Post has given us an invaluable book. This is a strong claim, for Post's book is a narrative history of drag racing. And, while it is a very well done history, how can it possibly be "invaluable" when its subject matter is essentially useless? Now there's a strong claim. Let me hasten to establish my appreciation for what drag racers do. At the end of the 1997 racing season, the very best racers were getting to the end of their quarter mile race track -- from a standing start -- in less than a blink over 4.5 seconds. Perhaps even more astounding, the very fastest were going more than 320 miles an hour -- once more, from a standing start -- when they got there. This is truly amazing, but I am regularly struck dumb when asked a very simple question -- what's the point? Name almost any other major form of auto sport and I'll give you an answer. In NASCAR it's obvious. Even though those aren't at all stock cars anymore, a lot can still be learned by running flat out for 500 miles on production-based components, and that can be used to improve even the family car. Furthermore, that kind of abuse is perfect for testing tire technology. Even failing this, there's the old fallback, "win on Sunday, sell on Monday". But what do we learn from -- or sell from -- the top-notch dragsters? These are all completely purpose built vehicles, using all custom designed parts, performing a completely atypical activity and resembling nothing that is at all available on the showroom floor. In short, drag racing is the mountain climbing of motorsports. There is no point to it except to do it, and once you've decided to do it, you might as well do it as well as the technology -- and your money -- will allow. Recognizing the uselessness of the activity, however, is not to denigrate this very fine book. Anyone with an interest in the evolution of technology, automotive history, or motorsports will be fascinated, as should just about anyone who grew up during the time Post covers. Post writes that the first officially organized drag race happened on the streets in Goleta -- near Santa Barbara, California -- in 1949, although he recognizes that that same strip of road had been used for "unofficial" races for years before that. He uses that race as his starting point, and, in a clear, engaging writing style, supported my quite pertinent quotes from racers and many, many wonderful pictures, tells the story of the next 40 plus years in the development of this pursuit. Post is not a rah-rah boy, at least not for modern drag racing. This book is clearly a labor of love, but of love for a bygone era. While he appreciates and applauds the remarkable performance gains since the beginning -- those early cars took nearly 11 seconds to cover the quarter mile, hitting about 150 miles an hour -- he believes that the technical strides that account for those gains have changed the sport forever. It simply costs too much to go this fast. Further, going this fast fosters too much me-tooism. There is usually only one sure way to build a car to go this fast, so everybody essentially builds the same car. For these reasons, Post sees both the little guy, shade-tree mechanic and the spirit of innovation frozen out of bigtime drag racing. And since these are the backbone of what we think of as the hot-rod, drag racing culture, this is apprehensible. Post, then, seems to yearn for a time of more innocence. A time, say, 25 or 30 years ago. It is this that makes this book so invaluable. It will be invaluable to anyone who -- like me -- grew up not only during the time Post relishes, but also at the places, and cheering for, sometimes, if you were lucky, helping the people that he writes about. I started going to the drags before I had either a car or the money to get into the track. I must of been about twelve when I first rode my bike up the long hill to the Pomona fairgrounds and clung to the fence along the road, peering through the holes at what was going on. I was in love. My folks didn't have a lot of money, but I was lucky. My birthday almost perfectly coincided with Winternationals weekend! I had a standing request for a birthday present, and my parents never failed me. I always had my Winternationals ticket. Then I got a car, and enough money to hit all the local strips. Fontana. Lions. Irwindale. Orange County. Man-o-man. I took tons of pictures, but through the carelessness of youth and the normal attrition of many moves, all have been lost. Post's many pictures at least partially makes up for that. More important than the pictures, however, are the memories. The many intervening years have taken quite a toll on mine, at least. Post tells his story so clearly, and with such detail, that it can cause the fog to lift. You will be reading about a match race with Stone, Woods and Cook against Big John Mazmanian and suddenly remember that you were at that race, and remember it as if it had been run last weekend. Unfortunately, Post pulls no punches, and you will also remember that you were there when Lefty Mudersbach died, after his parachute failed. This is a very good book, but I have one minor quibble. Post keeps his focus firmly on the top rank of racers. This is understandable, since what he wants to teach us is what it took to get from going 150 mph in 11 seconds to going over 300 mph in far less than 5 seconds. But if he would let his gaze drift down a level or two, he may find that the little guy is still there and still innovating. Most often, this happens outside the formal, second-tier, "sportsman", categories of the larger sanctioning bodies, where costs are still quite prohibitive. But at places like the increasingly popular muscle car or nostalgia meets, a racer with tools and time can still run a unique and competitive car for a few thousand dollars and a lot of work. He'll only be going about 150 mph in about 11 seconds. He'll be, in other words, just about where we were in the beginning. Perhaps if Post would give us a history of this static drag racing he wouldn't yearn for the old days, for in many ways the old days of drag racing are still here.

as a lover of drag racing and a drag racer myself,i have to say this is THE MOST COMPLETE BOOK on the subject of drag racing i have ever read.it covers all aspects of the sport from the beginning to 1990 and in every detail.if you are a lover of the sport,a drag racer or even if you know nothing about the sport this book will give you new insight,new feelings and you WILL learn a new appreciation of the sport..

This is by far the best book on drag racing I have ever come across. My first season was 1961 at the track of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and to varying degrees I have followed the sport ever since.

This book has an incredible amount of detail on who did what, and includes many important historical events, and other oddities that have happened in the forty years covered. He even includes one of the weirdest accidents I ever saw, which was the time Paula Murphy's rocket car had a stuck throttle, and sent her off the end of the track at Sears Point Raceway, and literally over the rolling hills of Sonoma County at well over 200 mph, like a real-life Whiley Cayote.

But even more to his credit the author attempts to get at the heart of drag racing, what drives the participants. And he writes with a fine balance of scholarly objectivity and insider's appreciation. A very nice piece of work and a "must-read" for anyone seriously interested in how drag racing got to be what it is today.

Richard Fay

No doubt this is a very good book on horse racing. I have read this book twice and everytime I read it, I got something out of it. It tells you various ways to find the best horse in a race. Notwithstanding finding the best horse in a race, this books also tells you how to find the best bet in a race (the best horse does not necessarily be the best bet in a race because of the factor of odds) and how to manage your money and your inner struggle.

This book is also systematic and very easy to read. It is especially good for serious horse racing starters. For experienced players, this book is also worth reading.

I am full of confidence on horse racing again after I read this book. I believe I will read this book the third time after the end of the Hong Kong racing season in next summer.

I highly recommend you to read this book.

This book is very interesting it covers all the subjects you would most commonly want to know and more! The author is obviously experienced at the 'art' of horse-racing and so it makes an enjoyable and in some places humorous guide to the logic of racing-well done!

At last, a book on handicapping horses which doesn't sound like it was written by Ma and Pa Kettle. Mr Jones has tertiary qualifications in Statistics (as I recall) yet manages to not bore. The only problem with the book, as a reader in Australia where all racing is on turf and where sprints require more than just speed, is trying to filter out how much of the speed factor in it is applicable to conditions way down under here. (If other readers want to email me to discuss the ideas/problems with the book, please do so.)

After using some of the strategies in this book I was able to maximize my winnings and minimize my losses. It was easy to read and follow and the author has managed to make some sense of underlays and overlays. Worth the small cost for such a useful book.

This is probably one of the most under-rated books on handicapping. I have many books on horse racing and have yet read any reference to this book. In fact, the first time I read it, I wasn't at all impressed. However, as I become a better and better player, I begin to appreciate how deep the book is. I have read the book many many times. Every time I read it, I get something out of it. The first chapter on the racing public and the fourth chapter on form factor overbets/underbets are particularly important. If you don't have a thorough understanding of the ideas presented, you'll likely find that even you are good at picking winners, you still lose money. If you are willing to spend the time to read the book at least 10 times to make sure you have internalise the ideas (I have read it more times than that), I can guarantee you that your skills will be elevated to a different level.