Sports Car Racing

Traces the history of stock car racing and looks at major drivers, teams, and racetracks.

Following the success of Haynes’s In Camera titles covering sports car racing and Formula 1 in the 1960s and 1970s, the spotlight is turned on the 1950s, starting with the vibrant sports car scene of that decade. Meticulously researched and rare photographs – over half of them in color – are brought to life through the author’s well-observed and atmospheric commentary to create a visually stunning and highly nostalgic record of this dramatic decade. Sports Car Racing in Camera 1950–59 will appeal not only to motor racing enthusiasts but also to anyone interested in the racing history of sports car manufacturers.

A sports car is typically a two-seat, two-door car with rear-wheel drive. It has a responsive engine that handles well on all types of roads. It rides low and is usually fast. Most of all, it is fun to drive. Discover the history, design, and features of these sleek, powerful vehicles in Sports Cars, part of the Let’s Ride series.

This book focuses on the different aspects that contributed to the development of Northeast American sports car racing during the 1950s. The evolution from amateur drivers racing on public roads in 1950, to both professional and amateur drivers racing at private, purpose-built tracks in 1959, demanded huge leaps of faith, trust and understanding. The transition was neither easy nor uneventful for drivers, clubs or track owners, and the tragedy, politics and intrigue that came to characterize the period are covered here in fascinating detail.

Young sports enthusiasts and nonenthusiasts alike will find something to interest them in the History of Sports series. Each book in the series focuses on a sport, examining its origins and tracing the evolution of rules, strategy, and philosophy of the game. Memorable moments and colorful personalities are discussed in every volume as are the important social and political issues that have shaped and continue to influence the game. Annotated bibliographies, informational sidebars, footnoted sources, numerous photographs, and detailed indexes enhance each book. Book jacket.

The exciting world of sports car racing is covered in this book, an age-appropriate look at a motorsport that’s gaining popularity all over the world. Readers will learn about Grand Touring models, touring models, and prototypes, and how each kind of sports car brings something unique to the sport. The body text, “Fast Fact” fact boxes, and sidebars cover the history of the sport, its rules, action in the pit crew, famous drivers, exciting racing, and how readers can start to participate. The text concludes with a graphic organizer of the flags seen at sports car racing events.