Racing Books

If you have ever read any of Travis Pastrana's articles written in the old Racer X column he had, you would know of his ability to make you feel as though you are right in the heart of the story being told. The same holds true with this book. He brings you right in with vivid descriptions and details that are easily understood by the average everyday person and yet belies an attention the to english language that is quite comprehensive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as my husband, his riding buddies and racing buddies and the kids in our family as well. I would definitly give it to anyone considering riding/racing or any other adventure. It's not about the sport/adventure it about taking the chance!!

I sat down and read the book cover to cover. It's a great read for every age.

I purchased this for my son who is a freestyler, and not one to read books, but he enjoyed (and read) the book cover to cover. Great photography, interesting text, and a fantastic insight into Travis Pastrana.

This book was amazing, very well written and i didnt put it down after i picked it up! I read the entire thing in a night, it was a very good read, but i felt like there werer parts when he was braggin about himself. But all in all i strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes motocross or xtreme sports.

This book is written very much in Pastrana's own voice, which leads it to be not only personal at times, but also hilarious. Actually some of my favorite parts of the book were the little notes on the side either from Travis himself or his friends/colleagues/parents. It gives readers a view of what its like living his life, something I certainly don't envy.

He covers everything from his beginnings in racing, his schooling, his injuries, the many wild stunts he has done and more. If you are a fan its a must read, even if you're not its entertainment value makes it worthwhile.

Buy it for the great cars!
But it for the great photos of the cars!
Buy it for the play by play of each and every race.
-for the Amazing list pro drivers whom were brave enough to get behind the wheels of these 'Big Bangers!
-for the behind the scenes looks at these monster big block engines and how they pushed the envelope of technology.
-for the wild designs as each team played at the first tentative steps at understanding Aerodynamic down force!

Nothing, nothing was more grand or powerful at that time! So get this book that perfectly captures the time when Racing was Dangerous, but Sex was not.

OK, I am a huge Pete Lyons fan. He lived it and wrote about it so we could also live it. Great job and great book. A must read if you are a Can Am fan or a fan of the "good old days" of motor sports where determination and a few bucks could get you in the game.

This is a delightful book for any racing enthusiast who either loved the Can-Am or wants to learn why older fans revere it.

While Pete Lyons is as scrupulous as someone like Doug Nye about accuracy for such details as chassis numbers, Pete uses such information only to make sure that his narrative is accurate and consistent or to authoritatively state interesting facts, such as the cars that won consecutive events, or won the same events in consecutive years, or were raced by certain drivers.

Pete Lyons and Doug Nye are THE names for any library. Once again Pete lives up to a stellar reputation and this book is another must have for your collection.
Can Am is such a beloved series that you have to have the best book in your library and this is the one to build your library from.
I hope this helps you make your decision on purchase.

Reading Lyons' book is like reading the race reports at the time in Competion Press and Road & Track, with the added perspective of knowing how it all turns out after the rubber dust has settled. The candid driver shots of Bruce, Denny, Dan, Mark and the rest of these heroes of my college days, with the exquisite on-track shots and hardware close-ups, bring it all back in a great rush. It's a very difficult book to set down, time just seems to fly, as it seems those years did. It's a marvellous reminiscence of those larger-than-life men and the fastest road-racing machines ever built.

I think this was a great book because it captured the life of a teen girl. Some thing she did reminded me of my friend who is exatly like Bron. I would recomend this book to everyone. I think adults should also read this book so they can get and understanding of a teens life. Some parents dont understand Teens. Eveyone but this book its worth reading.

Bronwyn Lewis is a sixteen-year-old girl who has just been forced to move to Ojala, California with her family. The year is 1960. Bron is a good student, and has always lived life by the rules. It doesn't take long for her to realize if she doesn't change herself, she will not fit in with the carefree, easygoing teens in town. A popular interest of these individuals is drag racing, something that Bron wrongly thought she would never experience herself. Soon she meets J.C., an extremely attractive racer, and Will, a down-to-earth, old-fashioned country guy. She gets caught between them, and some interesting things occur with both men. I guess you could say she has a lot of things on her mind, including her reckless friend Lanie, the legendary horrific fires of Ojala, the profits of her family business, and her life's turn for romance and adventure. Hobbs really brings Bron's story to life through her dense plot and rising action. There is an overwhelming mood this book gives you through Bron's interactions with other characters. I really started to enjoy the book as the number of friendships and relationships Bron aquires increased. The ending really left me thinking because there is a distinct mystery to it. The genre is a combination of coming-of-age, adventure, and romance; no single genre would be fit by itself in my opinion. I really felt like I knew the characters personally as the plot thickened. I would definatly recommend this book to anyone. If an adult were to read it, he or she would have a good idea of the aspects of American teenagers' lives.

this is a really good book! it gives good insight on a teen girl's point of view on things. not only that, but it is fast paced! i got in bed to read at nine and stayed up until two to finish it! belive me, you will like this book!

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It made me laugh and cry and fall in love with every bit of it. The author was so great and I hope that I can get to read more of her books, soon. I just loved it, if you haven't read it then you need to. You have no idea what you're missing.

As an adult I was very moved by the story, especially the insight into the thoughts of a young woman. There was a "true story" feeling in the Bron's experiences. A must read for parents of young people...lots of insight into the need to "belong". Hobbs has done a superb writing job!

Premiere equine photographer Barbara Livingston does it again. Her stunning photographs truly capture each Thoroughbred's personality and "spark." The stories and images rekindle fond memories and illustrate just how remarkable these animals are - regardless of their level of success on the track. A must have for any horse or animal lover, not just Thoroughbred enthusiasts.

This book is a most beautiful tribute to racing legends. Both the photography and stories of each champion will warm your heart......some will bring tears to your eyes. A very special book for anyone who has ever read about these magnificant animals. I highly recommend it, as well as Old Friends, Barbara Livingston's first book. Both are treasures.

I loved this book as much as the first one, the descriptions of all these grand horse are just a good as the wonderful pictures. It so nice to know these horses are remembered and cared for so lovingly. Can't wait for volume 3!

Beautiful, moving, a reasonable alternative to those of us who can't afford the first "Old Friends" ,going for c. $260 and up.

While perhaps not as good as the first one (the horses are less "famous" overall) this is still an excellent book with the same great pictures and behind the scenes information. What was really heart warming about this book was how many farms and individuals, big and small, actually CARE about their oldsters and keep them happy and comfortable no matter what it takes, high vet bills, special shoes, special feeds, housing, whatever. If only ALL TB owners and breeders would do the right thing that way these farms do then precious few would end up in kill pens or low end auctions.

The service was superb for the above book. It was sent surface mail and I was informed it would be delivered around 15th. October, 2008. It arrived 5th. September - Terrific!! Well packaged and even though I have not completely read it yet, I am very satisfied with its content.

I saw the three races, I'm glad I found the book, us horse people has to stick together.

The DVD was great, the book goes into more detail, but overall a great package.

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.

fast service. wonderful to work with. wish we had one more to add to the crown.

My son would take this book out from the library every week, finally I brokedown and bought it. It is really funny. All three of my kids ages 2, 4, and 6 love this book, and I truely enjoy reading it too. It is the kind of kid book adults can find entertaining and will not get sick of having to read over and over.

Cars and Dogs -- for a boy, how can you go wrong? Very cute, clever rhymes, detailed silly illustrations with puns for the adults scattered throughout the background. Keeps me and my 5 year old son in stitches. The characters are very cute also. The race is just for fun and there is so much to look at along the way, the dogs get all distracted while they're driving. You could read this again and again!

My four year old son's favorite book. There are lots of words and many detailed pictures and phrases to keep your little one interested. I love the way it comes to a soothing ending as all the dogs go to sleep at the end...perfect for a bedtime story. You won't be dissapointed with this purchase!

I found myself a little tongue tied the first few times we read this but it is a great story and well illustrated. A favorite for any child who loves dogs or cars. (And grown ups too!) Another book we don't tire of reading.

We've had this book since it was published - it delighted my son then and he still loves it at age 7. My 4 year old daughter likes it a lot too. Great rhythm to the words. A favorite of ours and it's an often chosen bedtime book.

I was hooked from the beginning. The characters are brilliant & entertaining, the language, rich & original. Even though Jacqueline is a bit frustrating at times, you can't help but love her!
It is a fantastic story with just enough twists to keep you guessing and the ending will not leave you disappointed.
If you enjoy a good story with a surprisingly good laugh, then this book is certainly one to consider.

I am a new George Frawley Fan. I am waiting for more of his works to be published
My mother suggested, after reading Racing Winds, to read it myself. I was hesitant, but decided to give it a try because she loved the book so much. What can I say but I am hooked on this writer now. I could not put this book down and read it in 3 days, which is very odd for me since I dont have the time to read so much. I wish he had more of his books published because I want to read more of his work. This book pulls you in from the beginning and doesn't let you go even at the end. You still want more. I recommend this book to anyone who knows how to read. Thanks mom for recommending it to me and thank you George for writing it. I want more!

This book is amazing. The numerous twists and turns kept me on my toes and completely enticed. The love scenes and the heroism caused me to fall head over heels in love with Damion Dexter. The author George Frawley is a talented author and I hope to find more books of his. xoxo

This book is amazing. All of the twists and turns kept me on my toes and completly enticed. The love scenes and heroism caused me to fall in love with Damion Dexter. I have recommended this book to everyone I know. Hopefully, I can find some other books by George Frawley. He is an excellent author.

This book was amazing. Its use of twists and forshadowing kept me enticed through out the book. The mixture of romance and action was exhilerating. I have to say the love scenes and heroism made me fall in love with Damion.

The photos and sketches are wonderful as is the timeliness (1940) of the writing. It's good to go back to the time and era when Seabiscut was alive and breathing.

Seabiscuit was my favorite book in elementary school and still rates high amongst a handful of favorites. Many times over decades, circumstances gained perspective by recalling the depth of spirit and perseverance conveyed so concisely by Mr. Beckwith. Seabiscuit's story is truly for all ages. I believe stories like this are a reason why people are prone to assign human emotions to animals or treat them like a best friend.

As a child I often dreamt about having a horse, hoping I might even be fortunate enough to have one like Seabiscuit. I ended up with four, all of whom indelibly changed my life. I took care of them as if my life depended upon them; even sleeping with them in their stalls when I could get away with it. Bingo, Scamper, Scully and Crackerjack have permanent places in my heart. With them is a picture of Seabiscuit from Mr. Beckwith's book. They always gave their very best and showed me mine. Anyone who reads Seabiscuit's story will come to understand that the innate ability to recover and succeed resides in every person and all life. Opportunity to find and use that power of heart and energy is always available.

I am infinitely grateful to Mr. Beckwith for recognizing and writing Seabiscuit's story and especially to my father for making a vital, life changing dream come true.

I knew B.K. Beckwith personally, and worked with him the last ten years of his life at Santa Anita. He was our television commercial spokesperson for the Santa Anita Handicap for several years, recounting remembrances of Seabiscuit. He was a consummate horseman turned journalist and writer, and had been at Santa Anita from the opening on Christmas 1934. He also wrote "The Story of Santa Anita," which was never published commercially, but used the same heroic and emotional Grantland Rice style that you enjoy in his Seabiscuit book. His memory was a treasure, and since he wrote this book contemporaneously with events, you can feel the horse come alive, as well as the people and the places. This is SO GREAT to have the publisher find this work of art, enjoyable for anyone who loves horses, or racing, of any age. The drawings by Howard Brodie -- who went on to great fame otherwise -- are superbly reproduced, and so are the historic photos. You can see the 'Biscuit's personality come through, especially when he's looking out of his personal railroad car at all the fans and cameras, and in several others!

Inspiring story placed in compelling historical setting. Beautifully done by someone who knew the main characters well.
Nothing to find fault with here. Terrific read.

Owner of Ponder Publishing Company, LLC, my first response after reading was `I wish I had found Beckwith's story before this publisher did!' I was there! I heard Seabiscuit breathing. I saw him sweat, felt his determination, smelled the liniment. You could taste the air of early last century, to anguish and rejoice with one horse's determination to Keep on Keeping on, despite all adversity. Here, love touches a reader, as it touched the crowds who flocked to admire the Biscuit, in the flesh, his ample flesh. My Christmas shopping is done this year!
www.ponderpublishingcompany.com

This book contains some excellent vintage race pics. The text is essentially a transcript of the video. This is a great gift for track racing enthusiasts. Makes you want to get out to the velodrome and ride!

The photos and graphic layout is very beautiful - it's great to thumb through and get a overview of the time when track cycling was the most popular sport in the US. It isn't a detailed history of the sport or of cycling in the US. So don't use this as a reference or for those hard core cycling historians.

A great book with lots of photos and interesting stories about the sixdays. A whole new approach compared to what we know about sixdays-racing in Europe. It's great for me to find photos of the French rider Alfred Letourneur who made fame and fortune in the States rather than staying in France. A must for every six-days fan!!!!!

There was a time, not really long ago, when American bicycle racers were the most highly paid athletes in the country. In the 1980's we dropped our jaws when Greg Lemond signed a contract that paid him a million dollars over 3 years. Yet even today, the total price of a Pro Tour team won't get you a major-league pitcher with a good fastball.

Back in the early 1920's things were very different. Babe Ruth was paid the then princely sum of $20,000 a year but six-day bicycle racer Frank Kramer made more. Movie stars would crowd into smokey indoor tracks and offer primes as high a $1,000 to goad racers into driving themselves ever harder as sold-out bleachers screamed with excitement. The great boxer Jack Dempsey's promoter was stunned to learn that the attendance of six-day races averaged 100,000 paying customers. At least one successful six-day racer paid cash for a house.

Now largely forgotten, there was a circuit of velodromes that went across America, stretching from Los Angeles and Salt Lake City to Newark and New York City. The racers who competed on the wooden boards of the era were an elite, highly paid group of athletes who could take on the best in the world and beat them. Among the Europeans who traveled to the U.S. to race on our tracks were Tour de France winners Petit-Breton and Octave Lapize and Italian greats Giuseppe Olmo, Alfredo Binda and Costante Girardengo. As with road racing today, Australians seemed to be natural six-day racers and the list of Aussies who did well is long, including one of the greatest of all, Alf Goullet.

A modern Tour de France rider covers about 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) over 3 weeks. In 1914 the six-day team of Alf Goullet and Alfred Grenda raced the Madison Square Garden Six-Day and set a record that still stands, 2,759.2 miles in 142 hours. These men were magnificent sportsmen and their accomplishments were prodigious.

Great writers, including Ernest Hemingway, James Thurber and Damon Runyon, were drawn to the 1920s track scene and wrote about it. In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge invited the team of Jimmy Walthour, Jr and Freddie Spencer to the White House because he wanted to meet the two cyclists whom he said competed with him for newspaper headlines.

I ask the reader to stop for a minute. Have you ever heard of these men, the Armstrongs and Lemonds of our grandfather's time? Like so much of early and mid-twentieth century Americana, this spectacular part of our past is slowly getting wiped out of our collective memory. It shouldn't be so.

Nye's visually stunning book, The Six Day Races: America's Jazz-Age Sport is an irresistible scrapbook of those exciting years when bicycle racing had a firm grip on the American imagination. Pictures of dapper men in bowler hats and starched collars watching speeding racers steam around banked velodromes instantly conjure up another time. There's Petit-Breton, winner of the Tour de France, who competed at Madison Square Garden in 1903 and 1904. Another turn of the century picture shows a young man proudly standing with a bike that rather resembles one of Graeme Obree's record machines. Is there anything new in the world? Eddie Cantor, May Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, George Burns, Gracie Allen and Jimmy Durante went to the races and Nye has pictures of them that capture the mixture of sport and glamour that the Sixes represented.

Perhaps the image that most powerfully conveys bicycle racing's place in the 1920s is one photograph from 1925 showing eight athletes, called the "Kings of Sport", who were invited to a banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York. Most of the names will be familiar: Babe Ruth, boxer Gene Tunney, swimmer and future movie star Johnny Weissmuller, hockey star Bill Cook, Wimbledon champion Bill Tilden and golfing great Bobby Jones. Sitting with the other sporting giants, as equals, are cyclists Freddie Spencer and Charlie Winter.

Accompanying the hundreds of photographs is an excellent text. Perhaps no man knows more about American cycling than Mr. Nye. An earlier book of his, Hearts of Lions was more than the best history of American cycling ever written, Nye performed an important service by interviewing many of the great legends of America's golden age of racing, several just before they passed away. In The Six Day Bicycle Races Nye puts that knowledge to good use, guiding the reader from American track racing's origins in the late 19th century through its bloom of prosperity and its slow decline with the onset of the depression.

After reading the book, I still like to go back and thumb through a few pages here and there, imagining a band playing in the infield while the racers zoom around a short (10 laps to the mile) indoor track doing their flashy, dangerous work. Reggie McNamara crashed more than 1,500 times in a career of 108 six-days that covered about 135,000 miles. I wish I could have seen that brave, strong man race. Nye's book brings me as close as I can come to that dream.

This is a wonderful book written by the man who knows American racing best, filled with pictures that have the power to get any sports fan's heart thumping.
-Bill McGann, author of "The Story of the Tour de France"

This book captures the essence of track racing in America in it's glory days. It is informative and fun to read. The illustrations are great also!
My father raced in Chicago in this era and had many tales to tell, and Nye's book captures that same essence.

I loved this book. I kinda wish it was more about Ashley and Sean and less Kate and Tyler but it was amazing! I never would have guessed the ending. I did think it was sad that everyone sacrificed their lives to protect the family's secrets but I guess I can understand that. I would recommend this book to anyone.

This was a most intelligent and enthralling story; not only intriguing, but sensual as well. All characters were well-thought out and interesting. From the very first, when Tyler appears on the scene, the story and romance grabs you. There was one fascinating plot after another, and I found myself half-crazed to know the secrets, and to see how Tyler and Kate got together, along with Sean and Ashley. And to find out whose baby it was and what became of Jeremy. I have been reading romance/suspense for a number of years and Ms. Freethy has become an addition to list of my best authors.

Stormy relationships and a stormy sailing adventure combine to make this a better-than-average read. Barbara Freethy keeps you guessing about the big family secret and the ending is predictible but still fun. It's a great way to pass a summer afternoon at the beach or just curled up on the living room sofa.

If you want a love story wrapped up with some intrigue, SUMMER SECRETS is the book for you. All the while I was reading the book, I was trying to guess the secret ... and never could! The romance and mystery will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. Great read.

I, for once, never disappointed with Barbara Freethy, ever since I purchased my first book of her (One True Love) few years ago. She is my favorite author when it comes to family stories. She always manages to write such beautiful, heartwarming, and also real family stories. The joy, the tears, the fears, the loyalty ... they are always there, knotted into one amazing story. She did it again with SUMMER SECRETS. Each character stands out with their own self. The sisters are uniquely different with one another but nevertheless, united with a strong bond called "family. The romance of course, is also beautiful. I love the chemistry between Tyler and Kate, also Ashley and Sean. I just wish Caroline will get her own man. This book is wonderful read ... if you don't know Barbara Freethy, you're missing such a talented author!