Racing Books

Dave Perry is not only one of the world's best sailors (2nd in the 2005 Hinman Master's Championship and champion of many other regattas) he's an amazing teacher. If you've ever heard him talk, I'm sure you'd agree. His energy and enthusiasm for the sport is clearly dipicted in his excellent book. No matter what your level in sailing, you are bound to learn something new from his book.

bryan mcdonald
us sailing appeals committee member

Each time the US Sailing rules change, I order my replacement copy of "Understanding," by Dave Perry. Not only is he the most reliable and knowledgeable expert on our sport's arcane rules, but also he's the best at explaining them. Besides a complete rules dissection, the book holds a complete set of the latest racing rules (so you don't need to spend another $30 on those if you're not a US Sailing member) and a great rules-in-brief section that can help a newcomer get on the race course safely without tackling the complexity.

An excerpt from the Back Cover:

Includes the complete text of the 2005-2008 International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Racing Rules of Sailing and US SAILING Prescriptions.

Contains over 100 quotes and references to the US SAILING Appeals and ISAF Cases, making it an indespensable resource for sailors and racing officials.

The better you know the rules, the sharper you will be tactically on the race course. Dave Perry clearly and concisely answers all of the most commonly asked questions on the racing rules from a champion racing sailor's perspective.

This is a wonderful book written by one of the greatest americans of our time. I keep it around, it is wonderful to flip through now and then and guests love it.

Miniature car racing is a thing of the past except for some beautiful old race cars and a few nostalgic followers. My grandfather was an avid racer and is mentioned in this book, which is how I came across it. My family has one copy which we pass around to remind us of "the old times". This is a wonderful book with all of the great names and the GREAT cars. It's good to see that all of the fun and work that went along with this sport is wonderfully captured to be remebered forever.

Miniature car racing is a thing of the past except for some beautiful old race cars and a few nostalgic followers. My grandfather was an avid racer and is mentioned in this book, which is how I came across it. My family has one copy which we pass around to remind us of "the old times". This is a wonderful book with all of the great names and the GREAT cars. It's good to see that all of the fun and work that went along with this sport is wonderfully captured to be remebered forever.

This is a really great book. It tells the story of Man O Wars greatest son. It is a must read for anyone who likes War Admiral or the Sport Of Kings. On the subject about Seabiscuit Vs. War Admiral both of them were great noble horses who need to be "applauded to the echo" and maybe Seabiscuit just got the better of him on that day in 1938.

While everyone who reads about Seabiscut will hear about how he defeated the great War Admiral, few who see that story will get the amazing true life story of War Admiral.

Ed Bowen did a wonderful job in capturing the trials and tribulations of one of the greatest Triple Crown winners.

In War Admiral's time they did not have the advanced medicine and treatments and training technique's they have today.

Also the Triple Crown was not spaced apart with 2 week intervals to rest.

Reading this book made me see that even though Seabiscut defeated War Admiral in their match race, nothing can ever take away from his triumphs and accomplishments.

War Admiral was one of the greatest horses of all time, and you should have this book in your collection.

Best Regards to all, MC - TheStickRules.Com

The seventeenth installment of the outstanding "Thoroughbred Legends" series from Eclipse Press, War Admiral by horse racing expert Edward L. Bowen is the story of a singularly remarkable racehorse. The only son of the great horse racing legend Man O' War to become as great racer as his illustrious his father, War Admiral claimed the title at the Triple Crown races, and even ran with a badly cut foot at the Belmont Stakes. The life, training, exploits, great races, and more of this noble animal are painstakingly chronicled in this fine animal biography which is especially recommended reading for racehorse aficionados. Also highly recommended is Edward Bowen's Man O' War: Thoroughbred Legends...

The concepts that are talked about in this book, certainly should fall under the heading..."Why didn't I think of that?" There are a few typos, but overall it is extremely easy to understand. And I think it's rather strange that the author mentions nothing about the added bonus; in his description, of the book. "The added bonus" that I'm referring to, is the fact that this is really 2 books in 1. He's added (after a single blank page past the end of this book) his harness book called... "Harness The Winning".

I'm really very impressed at the horsemanship knowledge that is included in this book, also. I GIVE THIS BOOK A RESOUNDING 5stars ALL THE WAY!!!


I'm Out,

J.R.

Some very interesting "outside of the box" angles. Can't wait to see how they work out on the track.

I thought the book overall was pretty good, I did notice some grammar errors and a repeated paragraph on page 44 I think it was, but I suffer from short term memory loss anyway so it helped me :-) j/k The money management system in this book is very appealing to me and I plan to implement it over my next few trips to the track.

I just finished reading one of the greatest sports books ever written, definitely the most entertaining book on auto racing I have ever laid eyes on.

A few weeks back, I was searching amazon.com for auto racing books and found this. It was written in 1973-1974 and had not sold well but was in great enough demand that a reprint was done in 1995 ("20th Anniversary Edition").

The book is bookended by the 1972 Southern 500 at Darlington and Bledsoe describes the chicanery involved throughout a race weekend in the 'old days.' This is a great read for new or old fans because it takes you behind the scenes and into the lives of independent drivers and "hot dog" stars like Richard Petty and David Pearson.

For local short track fans, a whole chapter is devoted to the "small time" auto racing life. This includes a section where Bledsoe follows around California dirt tracker Billy Scott, including a memorable trip to a strip club.

Bledsoe spends a race day with Richard Petty and family, interviews 1940s-1950s women stock car drivers and describes the struggle of black driver Wendell Scott.

As we all know, fans had a lot more access to drivers than they do now and Bledsoe witnesses this first hand.

Tragic events such as the death of Friday Hassler is detailed, along with the saga of young gun Larry Smith (who lost his life as Bledsoe was writing the book and transcribing a taped interview with Smith).

Nothing like this will ever be written about today's auto racing because access is often limited and the "redneck" image is now frowned upon.

Buy this. Please.

The title of this book matches its content perfectly. I read it years ago and am glad to see it re-printed for today's fan to read. So many NASCAR books today are nothing but fluff - rehashes of generally known stories about Gordon, Stewart, and Earnhardt. But this book is much more. Learn about the great characters and events of the 60s - Curtis Turner, Joe Weatherly, Fred Lorenzen, Linda "Miss Hurst Shifter" Vaughn, the annual celebration of the Southern 500 in Darlington (a tradition now gone), and of course The King RICHARD PETTY. Whether you are a new or long-time Cup fan, get this book today.

This is an amazing book that covers the entirety of the sport from the local short track to daytona. It is a unique historical anecdotal look at the sport during the early 1970's and much legend and lore from that period is covered. This is quite simply one of the best books on the sport that i have had the opportunity to read. If you are a fan or a student of NASCAR Stock Car racing then you must read this book.

This book is a very nice way to encourage children to appreciate individuals and their different qualities as a person. It was also great to see Zed the Zebra did not lose any self esteem over not sharing the abilities of his friends. Charming story.

We own all of the 64 Zoo Lane books, in print. Zed is, by far, mine and my 2 &1/2 year olds favorite. Very fun! A GREAT lesson.

The 64 Zoo Lane books are fabulous and well worth building into your child's library. An Vrombaut's story series are engaging for both the child and adults. The child learns proper social behavior surrounded by animal characters from around the world. My five year old loves for me to read these stories to her over and over again.

While the sports marketplace is littered with books which judge performers and performances, this compilation from the staff and correspondents of The Blood-Horse magazine is unique; it started as a cornerstone story in a special edition of the publication in 2000.

Through expanded commentary, classic photographs and result charts, the vivid stories of the legends like Secretariat and Citation, the forgotten champs - Black Gold, Brokers Tip - and amazing victories of Canonero II and Alysheba are chronicled in a way that the most hardened railbird or casual fan can appreciate.

And like a past performance chart on a rain-soaked afternoon, the rankings can be tossed aside, as each story stands alone as fascinating tributes to the equine athletes, jockeys, owners and breeders.

As much as a reference guide as wonderful history, it is an outstanding example of making a winner out of an oftentimes stale means of judging sports history.

Of course, the people who have lived through the experience of triumph in the kentucky derby say that it cannot simply be described in words. But this book comes awfully close. Panelists of The Blood-Horse were polled to see which Derby was the most memorable. Of course, it is true with what D. Wayne Lukas said in the forward, "They're all special." But the panelists picked their top ten: Secretariat, and who wouldn't pick him? He was a superhorse that finished the derby in under two minutes! What a freak! Canonero the second, now this was a story I did not know of, but this one about the venuezuelan horse that won the derby and preakness at impeccible odds deserves a novel of it's own. Iron Leige's derby triumph was pretty ironic, what with the fact that Shoemaker, on Gallant Man, was warned not to stand up in his stirrups during the race and that is exactly what happened! Affirmed and Alydar, of course, carry a rivalry that goes unmatched. Citation, the Calumet iron horse, was a magnificent freak of nature, always fun to read that story. Brokers Tip, Black Gold and Regret, stories of derbies long in the past, were fascinating for their way of bringing history back to you in such a vivid way. Alysheba's incredible journey around the turn was enough to start off a remarkable career. and last but not least, Calumet's other triple crown star, Whirlaway. All of them bring back the days of wine and roses, on one of the most historic days that has been celebrated over 100 years. It is impossible to pick the best Kentucky Derby, but these 10 are just enough to get you in high Derby spirits.

I purchased this Book as a gift for my father , who had raced in the Baja 1000 in the early years. He enjoyed the book and thought the stories rang true as he remembered. I have since tried to buy other copies of this book and have not had any luck finding them available . This book makes a great gift ( If you can find It )

Marty Fiolka's 1000 MILES TO GLORY: THE HISTORY OF THE BAJA 1000 tells of one Dave Elkins, who in 1962 rode his new Honda from the Mexican border along the Baja peninsula to La Paz as a test of the new motorcycle: a journey which would take nearly forty hours and which would create incentive for other racers and manufacturers to test their endurance in Baja's rugged desert terrain. 1000 MILES TO GLORY documents these ventures in a year-by-year history which begins at the 1967 inaugural race and continues to modern times. The evolution of vehicles, colorful participants, and zany and incredible racing stories blend with full-page color and vintage photos to provide an outstanding visual survey and history of the people and vehicles involved. If you like auto racing in general and the Baja 1000 in particular, you can't miss this treasure trove of details.

Well if this book is as good as "Critters, Fish & Other Troublemakers" it will be a must read. Ted has a way with words, and never meets a stranger! I'm glad to see you are still adding to the literary world with your fine words of wisdom and humor.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Sherrie Engler
www.horseartandgifts.com

Weaving wonderful characters with beautiful venues and terrific pastimes, this book kindled warm memories of warm places and tugged on heartstrings stretched over some "tender territories". You needn't be a horse race fan to truly love this read, interact with the trials and comedies of relationships or be drawn into the storyline Ted Simendinger beautifully paints from Colorado, to South Beach, to Bimini and New Zealand. His insight into the frailties of Men vs. Women, and his ability to keep you hungry on multiple fronts, is marvelous.

Someone in this book will appeal to everyone, but my affinity for all the characters was established early on. It's a joy to see yourself, some of your past (and hopeful future) in a fast paced, witty and beautifully portrayed journey of men, women and beasts on a romp from flea markets to fame. If you've ever tasted long and unrequited love, thrown your fate to the winds of friendship and longed for life to come together in the most unforeseen of ways, then ride with the girls of the "Kiwi Posse" as they help fulfill the lives of unlikely American men and "Bonefish", the most lovable thoroughbred turned "beach-bum" you can imagine!

This book will help you follow your heart where you know it wants to lead you, have as much fun in as many places as you can, and realize that you need to fish whenever you can, love whenever you can and never give in to doubt that it really can be amazing in the end! Take a gamble, it's a sure thing!

"After the Off" is yet another brilliant documentary photograph book of Bruce Gilden's work. His artistic motifs of flash and disembodied figures leads to a riveting, mesmerizing look at the seemingly mundane world of Irish horse racing. Anyone thinking of a placid view of Irish racing will be stunned, and perhaps, shocked by his photographs. Dermot Healy's short story is a fine coupling, but it is completely overshadowed by Bruce Gilden's photography.

What a refreshing book! The photographs are so wonderful and I love the type design! Yolanda Cuomo's studio is on a roll!