Book Description

Book Description
Every once in a while, a story comes along that enrages, enlightens and inspires all at once.Silent Thunder, the highly anticipated memoir of legendary autoracing veteran Lenny Miller is one such story.It offers a rare and surprising inside look at the struggles and triumphs of some of the most courageous men and women in motorsports--African Americans. Whether you're a racing fan or a black history enthusiast, the author's deeply personal chronicle of his remarkable forty-year career as a manager and owner of African American teams is a gripping testimonial to the empowered underdog in all of us.

From inside the pits where resourcefulness defines victory or defeat, to behind the wheel with nothing but the smell of adrenaline and fear, to the plush upholstered offices of corporate sponsors where truth can be treacherous, Silent Thunder is an engrossing read that moves at lightening speed.The author also shares fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes featuring such names as Howard Cossell, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Skip Barber, Clarence Thomas, Malcolm Durham, Wendell Scott, Linda Lovelace, Don King, and many others.

Lenny Miller's narrative acumen is eclipsed only by his engrossing honesty.Silent Thunder is a compelling window into the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of injustice, humiliation, and even cruelty.Yet, while it exposes the underbelly of racism and elitism in one of America's most beloved sports, it also celebrates the hope and possibility for change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Captivating and Inspirational !!
Mr. Leonard Miller is a true vanguard in motorsports!This colorful page-turning account of his life as an African-American in the sometimes brutal world of racing is truly inspirational and eye-opening.From his childhood, Mr. Miller channeled his love and passion for cars and racing into a lifelong pursuit of being the best in motorsports and overcoming near impossible odds to field top racing teams.His struggle to triumph over racism, death and various other issues during the course of five (5) decades is expressed in clear detail.

This book is a timely read given the current attention to diversity in NASCAR and other racing formulas.Most of the current crop of active NASCAR African American drivers were trained and had their best results and greatest successes under Mr. Miller's racing teams, which in itself is a testimony to both his spirit, commitment and racing acumen.

I highly recommend this book as a real life success story of a great man that has climbed an extraordinary mountain that few have dared to try.It is good to know that he is still climbing with as much vigor now as when he first started.

Captivating!
This story is compelling from the moment you begin to read.The successes achieved while enduring so much hardship is a testament to the passion Miller has for the sport.This story is a true eye-opener, and reveals a lot about how our society has evolved, but also illustrates how much farther we still need to go.

This is a genuinely human story of triumph through adversity, and is inspirational whether you're a motorsport fan or not.

Highly recommended!

Must read for any race fan
Leonard Miller's story is one of tremendous courage and perseverance in the face of prejudice that will inspire anyone who reads it. It was amazing to me how much prejudice still exists in what is now a mainstream sport and disappointing that no large corporation has had the vision to support someone who is one of the truly inspirational African American role models of our time.

fascinating
As a Brit with an interest in motor racing, particularly racing history, I bought this book over here on a friend's recommendation. I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by this memoir.

From Miller's humble beginnings through to his ownership of a NASCAR team today, the story is an enticing account of triumph in adversity and should bring shame on many of the racing sponsors who still ignore the achievements of African-Americans today. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

long live the king
If you are a big fan of the king Richard Petty read this book. It tells a great story ... Read more

Book Description
Written for sports fans of all ages, the Sports Snaps series profiles well-known sports figures in a scrapbook-style format. Included in each are quotes from players and coaches about the athlete, statistics, records, and the player's biography. With commentary provided by some of the sporting world's best writers and action-packed color photos from top sports photographers, these books provide fans with an intimate look at their heroes.

Jeff Gordon is to NASCAR racing what Wayne Gretzky was to NHL hockey—simply the best young athlete in his sport. He was NASCAR's Rookie of the Year in 1993 and has won the 1995, 1997, and 1998 Winston Cup championships. He has won 52 races since 1994, including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. ... Read more

Book Description
The racing world held its collective breath in 2001 when Alex Zanardi lost both his legs in a horrifying accident at the Lausitzring in Germany. The racing world again held its breath nineteen months later while witnessing his incredible return to racing. Bentley Publishers is thrilled to announce the publication of the North American edition of Alex Zanardi's autobiography, which quickly sold over 50,000 copies in his native Italy.Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory recounts his incredible story as only Alex can tell it. He takes us from his childhood in Italy through his hard-fought racing success to the moving story of perseverance and love that motivated his recovery. Along the way, Zanardi presents his triumphs and setbacks in kart racing, Formula 3 & 3000, Formula 1, IndyCar and CART racing, culminating in back-to-back CART championships for 1997 and 1998. In riveting detail, Zanardi relates his terrible accident, the long path to recovery and his return to Lausitzring in a specially modified 750hp Champ Car to complete the 13 laps he didn't finish in 2001.In addition to 32 pages of color photos, including many from the Zanardi family albums, Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory also includes the following new features: a foreword by Alex Zanardi's friend and supporter Mario Andretti, a chronology of Alex's racing career, and a new final chapter in which Alex discusses his return to competitive racing in the 2004 European Touring Car Championship driving for BMW Team Italy-Spain.Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory is an inspiring story of how personal strength and passion can triumph over even the most challenging circumstances. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Alex Zanard
Absolutely fabulous.

Alex Zanardi, who lost both legs in a horrific crash that nearly claimed hislife, tells his story with humor and an eye for detail.

You do not have to be a racing fan to enjoy this book.Alex is a great raconteur who spins a tale that keeps the reader captivated page after page.He never lets you feel sorry for him after he finds out he has lost his legs; you cheer for him as he works his way back to racing.

This is a terrific "feel good" book for any reader.

Who edits these things?
If the purpose of a memoir is to provide readers with an unedited and disorganized stream of consciousness (that completely lacks psychological insight), then Alex Zanardi accomplishes his mission with great brio. What you will find in this (much too) thick volume are meaningless anecdotes that are followed by more meaningless anecdotes.To be exact, the book reads like a transcription of slapped together interviews.I guarantee that you will be bored to tears after just 10 pages.For a better, more interesting look at Zanardi's life and accomplishment you would be much better off checking HBO's Real Sports documentary.

Zanardi does not disappoint
Alex Zanardi was a truly inspirational competitor on the track and one of the best characters off it. His fightback against crushing odds and his chase to have his life back at normal are inspirational and uplifting. For those who marvelled at his CART days and wondered about the disappoint at his F1 with Williams, there is some explanation here. There is no doubt that he is an exceptional driver and even more so an exceptional human being. He is now racing in the world touring car championship for BMW.

Must Have!
If you are a race fan, you will really enjoy this one.Alex is truly a hero.

Inspiring and moving tale
The way that Zanardi deals with his adversity is humbling and inspirational.Anyone who likes adventure or sports biography will really enjoy this title. ... Read more

Book Description
- Foreword by A.J. Foyt, Indy 500 winner and IRL team owner - Preface by Mari Hulman George, Chair person, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

With his signature Texas flag painted on his helmet, Johnny "J.R." Rutherford captured the hearts of racing fans all over the world during his stellar three-decade career.A versatile driver, he is world renowned for his record-breaking successes in the ultra-competitive world of Indy and Sprint cars.

In Lone Star J.R., Johnny himself takes us on an exciting drive through his life and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the racing world.Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1938, John Sherman Rutherford III did his duty in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years before beginning his legendary racing career in Texas.After overcoming a serious accident in 1966, in which he suffered two broken arms, he began to achieve his greatest success.J.R. relives his historic Indianapolis 500 wins (in 1974, 1976, and 1980) and explains the allure and excitement of racing in this personal look back at his storied racing career.

A true sportsman, always generous with his time, this racing legend has become one of the greatest ambassadors the sport has ever known. In Lone Star J.R., the man himself explains how and why he has come to be one of the sport's most celebrated legends.

Book size is 6" x 9", with 60 B&W photographs throughout book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Winner!
Overall, I liked this book. The story of JR's early racing days and his travels with Jim McElreath as they followed the IMCA circuit was good reading. In addition, the details of his 1966 Eldora crash and recovery as well as his experience driving the Smokey Yunick NASCAR Chevy in 1963 was very interesting. I would have liked more technical detail on what happened to his race cars to cause poor finishes at Indy in 1973, 1982, etc.

Lone Star J.R.
If you are a fan of Johnny Rutherford and racing in general, this is thebook for you.The book gives insight from inside the racing world.It isa highly detailed account of Johnny's personal life and his racing career. I found his personal struggle to become a big time driver very interesting,as he started at a relatively late age for his era.It was alsointeresting for me to read his explanation of the many changes in racingand what was expected of a driver from his first race until his retirement. The candid comments and numerous photographs, make the reader fell like hehas had a personal converstaion with J.R. himself. I believe almost anyonewill enjoy this book.

Lone Star J.R.
If you are a fan of Johnny Rutherford and racing in general, this is thebook for you.The book gives insight from inside the racing world.It isa highly detailed account of Johnny's personal life and his racing career. I found his personal struggle to become a big time driver very interesting,as he started at a relatively late age for his era.It was alsointeresting for me to read his explanation of the many changes in racingand what was expected of a driver from his first race until his retirement. The candid comments and numerous photographs, make the reader fell like hehas had a personal converstaion with J.R. himself. I believe almost anyonewill enjoy this book.

Lone Star J.R.
If you are a fan of Johnny Rutherford and racing in general, this is thebook for you.The book gives insight from inside the racing world.It isa highly detailed account of Johnny's personal life and his racing career. I found his personal struggle to become a big time driver very interesting,as he started at a relatively late age for his era.It was alsointeresting to me to read his explanation of the many changes in racing andwhat was expected of a driver from his first race until his retirement. The candid comments and numerous photographs, make you fell like you've hada personal converstaion with J.R. himself. I believe almost anyone willenjoy this book. ... Read more

Book Description
For Gold and Glory retraces the little-known history of The Goldand Glory Sweepstakes, a highly celebrated auto racing event for AfricanAmericans, held in Indiana and throughout the Midwest during the racialturbulence of the 1920s and '30s, when the Ku Klux Klan cast a dark shadow overthe social and political landscape of the state and region. The story is toldthrough the eyes and emotions of Indianpaolis auto mechanic Charlie Wiggins, thegeatest African-American driver of the era, known in the black press as "TheNegro Speed King." Set against a colorful backdrop of gangsters, bootleggers,the birth of jazz and the early history of autoracing in the United States, ForGold and Glory chronicles the tragedies and triumphs of a dedicated group ofindividuals who overcame tremendous odds to chase their dreams. Theirs is auniquely American story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For racing fans of any stripe and any color
Todd Gould has written a number of articles and books on Indiana business and history. With this book he has addressed a fascinating time in racing history and Indiana history as well.

The main focus is Charlie Wiggins, an African-American auto mechanic originally from Evansville, Indiana who moved to Indianapolis in 1922 to take advantage of the bustling (yet segregated) cultural and business climate around Indiana Avenue. At the same time, several Indianapolis businessmen (both black and white) are looking into starting up the Colored Speedway Association, a racing division for Blacks that was to be modeled after Negro League Baseball. The hope was to demonstrate that African-Americans were fully capable of driving high-performance racecars and create a groundswell that would cause the American Automobile Association, the main sanctioning body of most races back then, to de-segregate big-time auto racing. Their main goal would be to race in the hometown Indy 500.

The title, 'Gold and Glory', comes from the name of an annual race started by the CSA at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. This one mile dirt track hosted 10 'Gold and Glory' 100 mile races. Charlie Wiggins won 4 of them and earned the nickname 'Negro Speed King' in race cars of his own design and manufacture.

Gould tells about the active role the KKK played in Indiana politics in the 1920s and does a nice bit of 'parrallel lives' biography with Klan leader D.C. Stephenson and Charlie Wiggins for about 50 pages in the book. He also tells about the mini-Harlem Renaissance that occurred in Indianapolis in the 1920s and the cultural life of Indy's near west-side. He also ties ina lot of basic history of the early days of auto racing - of the dangers and pitfalls of dirt track racing, of mechanics building cars in their garages, of having to tow your race car with a rope and having a young apprentice steer it while it was being towed, of race tracks being built in the middle of a cornfield for a one day event, and so on.

Gould tells the story of the CSA, Charlie Wiggins and the racial politics of the time in a near-seamless fashion. He ties it all together and leaves the reader a bit amazed. Amazed at how far we have come politcally, amazed at the changes that have taken place in racing (long gone are the days of a big-time racer building his own car in his spare time) and heartened by the fact that racing really knows no color. While the sport was strictly segregated by rule, every racer and race fan knows that every advantage has to be pursued in order to win - white teams helped black teams and black teams helped white teams. Why? Because regardless of color, racers are a group unto themselves.

This is a must read for all auto racing fans, but especially for fans of the Indy 500.

I give this one a grade of A-. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Racing Stewart
I've been a fan of the wee Scott for many years following his career first as a driver and now as an entrant. One cannot imagine the problems faced by someone wanting to enter the competitive world of Formula One motor racinguntil you read this book.

A very informative account of the conception,launch and first year of a brand new Grand Prix race team. The book isextremely well written and supplemented by beautiful photography in bothb&w and colour.

Now that Stewart Grand Prix has been bought out byJaguar, this book is a must for any Formula One fan and provides a muchvalued documentary of this era of Grand Prix history.

Fantastic!
I read a lot of books for research on starting a Race team, this is one of the best books I chose!!This book takes you though the in's and out's and up's and down's of starting Stewart Ford.A lot of books give WAY too muchdetail, this one is just right, it gives the reader (race fan) just theright amount of content and excitement in the text followed by wonderfulcolor and black and white photos.If you were not a Stewart Ford fanbefore, this book will at least make you have a little pull for them comerace day.If you are interested in how it all started this is a greatbook, I couldn't put it down, it kept me going from front cover to back...I'll be looking for them this race year!

Read into the making of a Grand Prix team, from scratch
As fan of the Stewart Grand prix team, this book was the number one book on my christmas list last year. Here, a grand prix team opens it's doors to you, and shows you around. The whole book charts the first year of theStewart Team in the world of F1. Described to you are the problems,barriers and hinderances in the way of setting up a grand prix team fromnext to nothing. It also re-accounts the moments of joy and greatacheivement the team had in it's first year. "The" book for anysupporter of the new guys in F1. ... Read more

Book Description

He was The Intimidator. A nightmare in the rear-view mirror. A seven-time Winston Cup champion. A driver whose personal success story and dedication inspired the adoration of millions of fans. Then on February 18, 2001, just seconds from the Daytona 500 finish line, the world of stock-car racing suffered a devastating loss as Dale Earnhardt fatally careened into a track wall.

Beginning with Earnhardt's early days growing up in small-town North Carolina, veteran sports writer Leigh Montville examines how a ninth-grade dropout started on the dusty dirt tracks of the South, went through two marriages and a string of no-future jobs before turning twenty-five, then took about a million left-turns to glory. Through the pitfalls and triumphs, Earnhardt would ultimately become a celebrated champion. The son of a legendary racer, the father of a NASCAR star, he lived a total autoracing life filled with triumph and sadness, great joy and great pain.

Transporting listeners to the colorful, noisy world of stock-car racing, where powerful engines allow drivers to reach speeds of 200 m.p.h., At the Altar of Speed vividly captures the man who drove the black No. 3 car, a man whose determination and inner strength left behind a legacy of greatness that has redefined his sport. At the Altar of Speed is a tribute to both the man and his unbeatable spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Exciting tale that will interest even those who aren't NASCAR fans!
I haven't been much of a NASCAR fan, but after listening to AT THE
ALTAR OF SPEED: THE FAST LIFE AND TRAGIC DEATH OF
DALE ERNHARDT by Leigh Montville, I just might change
my mind.

This is a very exciting tale of Ernhardt, a ninth-grade dropout who
went through two marriages and a strong of no-future jobs before
turning 25 . . . he then became a legendary champion, only to
die in a 2001 crash.

Montville interviewed many close to Ernhardt, and it shows . . . I got
a real feeling for the man, as well as for his role in the tremendous
growth of the sport . . . though I still might not run to watch the
Daytona 500 or any other race on TV, I will not at least appreciate
all that the drivers have to go through to even enter the event.

Great introduction
Biography on one of if not the best driver in NASCAR history.Montville walks the reader through the triumphs and defeats of Earnhardt Sr. through his racing career and establishment of DEI.He concludes with the legacy of the "intimidator" after his untimely death at the 2001 Daytona 500.Well written book that only introduces the reader to the Earnhardts.

Dale Earnhardt was the man!
Scott Stout, I bet you didn't even read the book.Don't go bashing it just because you are not an Earnhardt fan.Folks are growing tired of your reviews, look how many find them helpful! (SS, WMD).

Montville informs well
I just finished this book, and I absolutely loved it. It had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. I'm an avid NASCAR fan, and Dale Earnhardt is and will always be my favorite driver. I am following the path of his son, and I have also read Driver #8. Both books are fantastic, and a lot of fun to read. Very hard for me to put down!

This Book was Written by a NASCAR Outsider
It's obvious that this book was written by an (admitted) outsider to NASCAR.After finishing the book, I felt like Leigh Montville sat around listening to stories about Dale and then decided to write a book about those stories.I'm sorry, but I feel like the only reason this book was written was for compensatory reasons.

In one section, Mr. Montville writes that whereas other NASCAR drivers said that they were friends with Dale, Dale did not feel that they were his true friends (saying that you would always see them hang out at his trailer, but you would not see him hanging out at theirs).Dale did admittedly hang out with other drivers (outside of race weekends) and go vacationing, hunting, and fishing with them.

Being a huge NASCAR fan, I was overall very disappointed with this book (though I did enjoy the section about Dale and Neil Bonnett).If you want a brief overview of Dale's life, then this may be the book for you.If you want to find out the real/more in depth story, then I would suggest you buy a book from an author who either really knew Dale personally or has spent most of their life affiliated with NASCAR.That's what I plan to do. ... Read more

Book Description
An insider's view of the thrilling world of NASCAR is viewed through the eyes of one of the sport's most inspiring individuals--Don Hawk, the right-hand man of Dale Earnhardt ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Man Behind The Cubicle
This book is not only a joke but it's a lie.What is the "Hawk" up to these days?Seems like if he had any intelligence he would still be a high powered agent.

Nascar, God, Integrity, Marketing All-in-One!
I loved it! Racing with the Hawk is the best book I have read about the Nascar life from a business perspective. Don Hawk has risen to the top of his profession without abandoning his integrity and personal relationships.An extremely interesting read for all lovers of Nascar, as well as a marketing primer! I highly recommend this book.

Racing with the Hawk!
As a recent college graduate in Business/Marketing, and trying to det intoMotorsports Marketing, I found this book to be AWESOME!This is a MUST foranyone that likes to be honest, truthful, and have integrity in anybusiness.This is a very interesting book!

INTERGERTY
THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK FOR ANYONE IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY.DEALS WITH HONESTY,INTERGERTY,AND THE NEVER QUIT ATTITUDE.NO MOUNTAIN IS TOO HIGH TO CLIMB ONCE YOU PUT YOUR HEART AND MIND TO ACCOMPLISH ANY GOAL INLIFE.ESPECIALLY RECCOMEND FOR ANY ONE IN THE AUTO SERVICE AND SALESCARREER. HIGHLY RECCOMEND FOR ALL SENIORS IN SCHOOL TO SEE WHAT CAN BEPOSSIBLE IN YOUR FUTURE IF YOU SET GOALS IN LIFE.AFTER YOU READ IT YOU WILLCOME AWAY FEELING MUCH BETTER ABOUT YOUR FELLOW PERSON AND YOURSELF.

Hawk's Extraordinary Path To High Powered Success! Part I
You do not have to be a Nascar fan to enjoy this fascinating adventure of Don Hawk's life and it will give each of you something you can take with you.The exhilerating ride on Hawk's journey to find out who he wants tobe is moving...The book shares hard learned lessons such as: The struggleand choices he made career-wise.The joy of finding love...then havingchildren. He experienced the pain of failure and the rewards of takingrisks. Being asked to bend your principles and winning with integrity. Hawkexubes tremendous business savy,style,and flair. The empire he built atDale Earnhardt Inc. is not remotely described in this book. Look at thedynasty he recently secured and left behind at DEI---Dale Earnhardt,jr.What Don Hawk has accomplished and achieved thus far truly makes him alegacy! It's been my pleasure to have met Don Hawk and I feel God sent himto help my husband and me. This book is correct is saying his ministry isin Nascar.Hawk has given me words of wisdom, guidence in the rightdirection, and a brutally honest education in the world of big business.All the while never comprising his integrity. A loving husband,father,son,and friend who is passionate about a sport called Nascar.I amtruly excited to see what he has in store for us next. Indy/Cart togetheragain? You never know...that's another story! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great book!
this is one of the best books about anascar driver i have ever read. great job. now i wat to read one on dale earnhardt. ... Read more

Book Description
Introducing stock-car driver Tony Stewart, the next big thing in the world of NASCAR! Stewart broke records for his Winston Cup rookie year of 1999 and has continued on his fast path to superstardom. Read about the hot young star and his sometimes rocky rise to fame in this captivating account. ... Read more

Book Description
The most successful driver on the NASCAR circuit, Jeff Gordon is considered one of today's great competitors. Known for his winning personality as well as for his incredible skill, Gordon is also one of the sport's most popular drivers. Kids can follow his meteoric rise from 8-year-old-champion to 31-year-old-legend in this story of talent, passion ... Read more