Stardust International Raceway

Professional motorsports came to Las Vegas in the mid-1950s at a bankrupt horse track swarmed by gamblers--and soon became enmeshed with the government and organized crime. By 1965, the Vegas racing game moved from makeshift facilities to Stardust International Raceway, constructed with real grandstands, sanitary facilities and air-conditioned timing towers. Stardust would host the biggest racing names of the era--Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, John Surtees, Mark Donohue, Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney and Don Garlits among them. Established by a notorious racketeer, the track stood at the confluence of shadowy elements--wiretaps, casino skimming, Howard Hughes, and the beginnings of Watergate. The author traces the Stardust's colorful history through the auto racing monthlies, national newspapers, extensive interviews and the files of the FBI.

Professional motorsports came to Las Vegas in the mid-1950s at a bankrupt horse track swarmed by gamblers--and soon became enmeshed with the government and organized crime. By 1965, the Vegas racing game moved from makeshift facilities to Stardust International Raceway, constructed with real grandstands, sanitary facilities and air-conditioned timing towers. Stardust would host the biggest racing names of the era--Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, John Surtees, Mark Donohue, Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney and Don Garlits among them. Established by a notorious racketeer, the track stood at the confluence of shadowy elements--wiretaps, casino skimming, Howard Hughes, and the beginnings of Watergate. The author traces the Stardust's colorful history through the auto racing monthlies, national newspapers, extensive interviews and the files of the FBI.

The path of Grand Prix racing in America wound through raceways at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, and finally Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. At each stop, the influence of organized crime seemed no more than a handshake away. But at Caesars the vast crime syndicate appeared deeply involved in the operations of the luxury-branded resort. The Caesars Palace Grand Prix then culminated in an unholy alliance of the world capital of gambling, the mob, and the international czar of Formula One. During its four-year run of successive Formula One and CART IndyCar events, the race hosted the biggest names in motorsport--Mario Andretti, Bernie Ecclestone, Roger Penske, Chris Pook, Alan Jones, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Danny Sullivan, Bobby Rahal and Al Unser among them. The podium celebration of the inaugural Grand Prix put the convergence of alleged organized crime influences and auto racing on public display, while the years that followed provided their own curiosities. This book traces the intertwined threads through decades of accounts, extensive interviews, and the files of the FBI.

The path of Grand Prix racing in America wound through raceways at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, and finally Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. At each stop, the influence of organized crime seemed no more than a handshake away. But at Caesars the vast crime syndicate appeared deeply involved in the operations of the luxury-branded resort. The Caesars Palace Grand Prix then culminated in an unholy alliance of the world capital of gambling, the mob, and the international czar of Formula One. During its four-year run of successive Formula One and CART IndyCar events, the race hosted the biggest names in motorsport--Mario Andretti, Bernie Ecclestone, Roger Penske, Chris Pook, Alan Jones, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Danny Sullivan, Bobby Rahal and Al Unser among them. The podium celebration of the inaugural Grand Prix put the convergence of alleged organized crime influences and auto racing on public display, while the years that followed provided their own curiosities. This book traces the intertwined threads through decades of accounts, extensive interviews, and the files of the FBI.

There isn’t a person who had anything to do with the gaming industry in Las Vegas—or the world for that matter—that doesn’t recognize the company name of Paul-Son Dice. But how many know the name of the man behind Paul-Son, Paul S. Endy Jr.? He was known by many names, including Mr. Paulson, the old man, a mover and a shaker, a bull in a china shop, and Mr. Endy. But to me he was known as my father, and I would like to share the story of his life and the legacy to the gaming industry he left behind. Dear Eric, I went to work at the El Cortez in 1965. By 1967, I became the Casino Manager and started doing business with your dad. I became his oldest and largest customer. Over the years, through several more hotels, I gave Paul-Son Dice and Cards over 90% of my business --- gaming tables, dice, chips, etc. Your father was a true pioneer in the gaming supply business. He, myself and my father, Jackie Gaughan, are all in the Gambling Hall of Fame. Your brother, Tom, and I were close friends and my son, John, worked one summer for your company. Eric, best of luck on this endeavor. I am sure if your father were still alive today, he would be proud of you. Michael Gaughan South Point Hotel Dear Eric, As a Las Vegas resident since 1964 and Mayor for 12 years, I had the pleasure of knowing your father Paul Endy Jr. both personally and professionally. I remember having breakfast with him and the other “movers and shakers” at Papa Gars which was right around the corner and across the railroad tracks from Paul-Son Dice and Card Company. Your dad reminded me of a “Bull in a China Shop” and was able to get things done today, not yesterday and sealed with a handshake. I consider him as a gaming legend and one of the “good old boys” whose fundraising efforts for both UNLV baseball and Westcare were commendable. Thank You for continuing his gaming legacy. Mayor Oscar Goodman Mayor of Las Vegas from 1999-2011 Eric, Your Dad was a real Casino Gaming Legend and a great human being! I remember when your father was inducted into the gaming Hall of Fame in 1996, an honor very well deserved. I will always cherish the time your Dad and I spent together and the commitment we both had to fundraising for charitable causes. I am so proud that you are continuing his legacy by writing his biography. Wayne Newton Mr. Las Vegas

Stuffed with never-before-seen photography, stories, and race results, Bronco Racing: Ford’s Legendary 4x4 in Off-Road Competition is the most definitive publication ever on this marque’s racing success! In 1965, legendary builder and off-road aficionado Bill Stroppe was one of the first to test the new Bronco in off-road conditions. In March 1966, Stroppe introduced his racing Bronco to the press at the Bronco Roundup, where racing ace Ray Harvick pounded the Santa Ana river bottom with his tuned machine to win Top Eliminator at the Four-Wheel-Drive Grand Prix at Riverside, and the rest is history. Ford’s Bronco dominated the off-road racing scene and captured coveted titles in the Mint 400, Baja 500, and dirt racing’s crowning achievement: the Mexican 1000/Baja 1000. As the first-generation Bronco gave way to the second-generation machine (1978), racing Broncos continued to devour the competition until Ford pulled the plug on the rig in 1996. Complementing the legendary Broncos featured here, you will also hear the tales of their wranglers, including Parnelli Jones, Rod Hall, Larry Minor, Shelby Hall, James Garner, Don Barlow, James Duff, Bill Rush, and the aforementioned Ray Harvick and Bill Stroppe. The infamous mounts covered include Big Oly/Crazy Colt, Pony, Big Hoss, Crazy Horse, Stove, and Colt. Diligently penned by Bronco racing historian John Elkin, this book is the most comprehensive collection of historical accuracy ever authored on this subject. Pull your belts tight and wipe your goggles clean one last time with Bronco Racing: Ford’s Legendary 4x4 in Off-Road Competition!

Road racing has long-storied roots in North America that reach from coast to coast and to Canada. Some of the greatest drivers to ever compete raced wickedly fast machines, staged epic duels on winding strips of asphalt, and created history. This history left an enduring legacy that is revealed and celebrated in Lost Road Courses. Road racer and road racing expert Martin Rudow retraces road racing's glorious past and visits the defunct classic road courses across the United States and Canada. Many road courses were built in the 1950s and 1960s, the golden age of American road racing. These classic road courses built and hosted famous races for Trans-Am, Can-Am, IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing, but did not survive the times. They fell victim to changing times, poor business decisions, urban sprawl, safety standards, and increasing real estate prices. Rudow recounts the breathtaking races and fascinating history of more than 16 tracks from around North America. Riverside International Raceway, Bridgehampton Race Circuit, Ontario Motor Speedway, Continental Divide Raceway, and many others were once major race venues that have since closed. The great race teams, legendary drivers, classic race series that visited the tracks, and cars that turned laps are brought into full focus. The exploits of Chaparral, McLaren, Bud Moore, Lotus, Penske, and other race teams as well as racing greats Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, Jim Hall, A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, Jim Clark, and Dan Gurney are covered. Rudow also digs beneath the surface to reveal the story behind the story. The visionaries and businessmen who saw potential and risked capital to build these palaces of speed come back to life. He also recognizes the unsung heroes and regional racers who competed, staffed, and took on various roles at these tracks. In the pages of this book, a nostalgic tour of these famous races at these vintage road circuits unfolds. Many period photos illustrate the racing action and the tracks themselves in their former glory, and modern color shows the tracks as they currently stand. If you're a fan of classic sports car, Can-Am, Trans-Am, IndyCar, Formula 1, as well as classic and unique tracks of yesteryear, this book is a must-have.

Forget the rule book and relive one of the most exciting race series ever with Can-Am 50th Anniversary! The first rule of Can-Am: There are no rules. Or at least damn few rules. The bodywork had to enclose the wheels and there had to be something that loosely resembled a passenger seat--if your passenger was a badly misshapen human or perhaps a lab monkey. Otherwise, set your racing mind free. No limits to engine options or output, no restrictions on aerodynamic aids or body shape. It was as close to unrestricted road racing as racing had ever gotten or would ever get again. And it was fantastic. From its introduction in 1966 to the end of its classic period in 1974, North America's Can-Am series was the most exciting, technologically advanced, and star-studded racing series of the day. Its essentially rules-free formula attracted everyone from crazed backyard engineers to specialists like McLaren, Chaparral, Shadow, and Lola to manufacturers like Ford, Ferrari, Chevrolet, and Porsche. Top drivers including Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Parnelli Jones, Bruce McLaren, Denis Hulme, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, Mark Donohue, Peter Revson, Jim Hall, Jody Scheckter, Chris Amon, George Follmer and John Surtees competed on tracks across the US and Canada taking time off from Formula One schedules and other duties to drive in Can-Am because the racing and the cars were so exciting. Can-Am 50th Anniversary offers a heavily illustrated look back at what is arguably the greatest race series ever to grace the roadracing circuits of North America. Photographer Pete Biro was Goodyear Tire’s official photographer and followed the series throughout the entire run from 1966-'74. The vast majority of the book’s images are unpublished or long out of circulation. Biro brings his unique perspective and his close relationship with the drivers, team owners, and constructors to bear on the captions while former AutoWeek editor George Levy provides an exciting text reflecting the thrill of Can-Am racing.