Lone Star J. R.

Book excerpt: 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-long 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.