American Dirt Track Racer

Book excerpt: One of the most evocative eras in the history of American motorsport was the golden age of dirt-track racing, when hairy-knuckled drivers duked it out in open-wheel racers on half-mile ovals around the country. This photographic history spans the classic era from 1946 to 1970, featuring vintage photography of the Champ and Sprint cars that were driven by men like A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Roger Ward and Bobby Unser for very little monetary reward. The technologies of the most successful and unusual cars are discussed as are specific races, circuits and some of the more colorful personalities of the period. Midget and track roadsters are also featured, along with period color photography.