Stock Car Racing
(March 29, 2005)
It is stock car racing time again and lots of us just cannot wait for that green flag. So to tide us over until the next race, you might try checking out one of these books, selected by Reader Advisor Paul Mathews, on the exciting world of racing.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!
King of the Road by Richard Petty.
RC 11684.
Life and times of Richard Petty, universally acclaimed as the king of stock car racing, as he tells it.
The World's Number One, Flat-Out, All-Time Great, Stock Car Racing Book by Jerry Bledsoe.
RC 10310.
A comprehensive look at the world of stock car racing. Provides a series of sketches of rookie drivers, superstars, race promoters, oldtimers, fans, and racetrack queens. Describes the racing circuit from
Saturday night speedways to the big one, the Southern 500. Strong language.
The Allisons by Steven Frank.
RC 52037.
Chronicles the rise to fame of the Allison family drivers in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) tour since the 1950s. Describes how Bobby's quest for victory was joined by brother
Donnie and sons Davey and Clifford. For grades 5 through 8.
Racing to Win by Joe Gibbs with Ken Abraham.
RC 55226.
Former Washington Redskins coach and current owner of two NASCAR race cars offers practical advice on establishing a "good game plan" in career, finance, team building, relationships, moral choices,
and both physical and spiritual health. Uses anecdotes and Christian precepts.
No Fear: Ernie Irvan, The NASCAR Driver's Story of Tragedy and Triumph by Ernie Irvan and Peter Golenbock with Debra Hart Nelson.
RC 48337.
Autobiography of a NASCAR stock car driver who survived a horrific crash in 1994. Irvan grew up in a racing family and had won fifteen Winston Cup races by the time of his first major wreck at age 35.
Describes his career and his painful rehabilitation as well as his return to the track.
Fast As White Lightning: The Story of Stock Car Racing by Kim Chapin.
RC 18918.
A thorough history of the sport that was born down South in the 1930s as moonshiners hauling their wares to market outraced pursuing lawmen. This colorful account considers the drivers and mechanics, their
spouses, the backers and fans, the Detroit connection, and the family dynasties of the track.
American Zoom: Stock Car Racing from the Dirt Tracks to Daytona by Peter Golenbock.
RC 47516.
An oral history of stock car racing from the informal contests between moonshiners to the NASCAR tracks and corporate sponsors. Includes profiles of the great drivers and highlights of famous races.
Dale Earnhardt: Remembering the Intimidator.
RC 52198.
Describes the fatal last race of the NASCAR legendary driver on February 18, 2001, during the Daytona 500. Eleven articles briefly trace Earnhardt's life and highlights of his long and successful career,
which includes seven Winston Cups, as well as his legacy.
DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles by Darrell Waltrip with Jade Gurss.
RC 58145.
Memoir by sports commentator Darrell Waltrip, retired race car driver, 1989 Daytona 500 winner, and three time Winston Cup champion. Describes his childhood, faith, love of family, and victories and defeats
in a career spanning NASCAR racing's history.
Driver #8 by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., with Jade Gurss.
RC 53666.
Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of the late NASCAR racing champion, describes his own first year on the stock car circuit. Details the strategy and camaraderie between the drivers and their support teams, the
difficulties a rookie encounters, and the tragedy of his father's death. Some strong language.