Collection Development "NASCAR": Start Your Engines!

(See also Start Your Engines! Web Addendum)

Five years after Dale Earnhardt was killed in the final lap at the Daytona 500, auto racing, specifically races sanctioned by the National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR), is more popular than ever. What began over 50 years ago as a Southern sport of racing “Strictly Stock” cars on dirt tracks has evolved, through NASCAR's savvy administration, into a national phenomenon, featuring sleek, high-performance autos on today's superspeedways.

There are 18 major NASCAR racetracks located around the country and hundreds of smaller tracks in every region. The fan base is diverse, representing urban, rural, and all educational and income demographics; despite the sport's macho image, women now make up 42 percent of fans, up from 36 percent in 1995. [Female drivers are also slowly making inroads. The eponymous autobiography of pioneer Janet Guthrie (LJ 4/15/05), who has driven both NASCAR and Indy, has received wide acclaim, and last year's Indy sensation Danica Patrick's memoir, Danica: Crossing the Line (Firefly), is due out this month.]

TV ratings continue to climb, and four networks have agreed to an eight-year, $4.48 billion broadcasting package to begin next season. Also, NASCAR continues to license itself in new markets. This past February, Harlequin launched its series of NASCAR-approved romance novels with the release of Pamela Britton's In the Groove, and this May chef Mario Batali's Mario Tailgates NASCAR Style marks the debut of NASCAR-sponsored cookbooks.

Pedal to the metal

But let's not forget the original reasons for NASCAR's astounding growth. These include speed and danger, close competition, and drivers with whom fans can easily identify. In an age of overpaid immature “stars” in the stick-and-ball sports, NASCAR racing retains a kind of down-home sensibility and offers a more human athlete-fan relationship.

Patrons who are die-hard NASCAR fans will seek information on their favorite drivers, tracks, winners, losers, and points leaders, while newbies will want to educate themselves on NASCAR's history, traditions, and rules. The following cross section of the best books, DVDs, and web sites provides a good place to start. Books are categorized into history and development of the sport, driver biographies, pit crew profiles, and reference works.

In its early years as a regional sport with a limited market, stock car racing inspired few books, but the last decade has seen rapid growth in the number of titles. Therefore there is not a substantial body of “classical” works that librarians must have in their collections. Nor is weeding much of a factor except to replace well-worn picture books.

As NASCAR has withdrawn from publishing its own materials in favor of licensing, the key book publisher today is Motorbooks International. As for magazines, major periodicals are Stock Car Racing, Victory Lane, Speedway Illustrated, NASCAR Scene, and Time Warner's newly launched Racing Fan. Each has a web site with sample issues available.

Starred [] items are essential for all libraries. 

NASCAR History

Gabbord, Alex. NASCAR's Wild Years: Stock Car Technology in the 1960s. Cartech. 2005. 191p. illus. index. ISBN 1-932494-09-X. $39.95.
The 1960s was a crucial period for stock car racing, with rapidly changing technology resulting in faster cars with smoother shapes. This useful overview features archival photos of the cars, crews, and hardware involved in some of NASCAR's most exciting races.

Golenbock, Peter. NASCAR Confidential: Stories of the Men and Women Who Made Stock Car Racing Great. Motorbks. Internat. 2004. 404p. index. ISBN 0-7603-1483-7. $24.95.
From the moonshine-running drivers of the early years to the legendary champions of today, sportswriter Golenbock (American Zoom) interviews many of the players and offers an intimate glimpse of the human side of racing.

MacGregor, Jeff. Sunday Money: Speed! Lust! Madness! Death! A Hot Lap Around America with NASCAR. HarperCollins. 2005. 400p. photogs. ISBN 0-06-009471-0. $25.95; pap. Perennial. May 2006. ISBN 0-06-009472-9. $14.95.
With his photographer wife, MacGregor (special contributor, Sports Illustrated) spent 40 weeks in an RV following the 2002 NASCAR circuit and watching the race experience at 23 tracks in 18 states. In recounting his adventures, he touches on such disparate subjects as race, religion, class, money, sex, politics, and fame in America. (LJ 4/1/05)

McLaurin, Jim. NASCAR's Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Outrageous Drivers, Wild Wrecks, and Other Oddities. Potomac. (Brassey's Most Wanted). 2001. 233p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57488-358-5. pap. $12.95.
A trivia book filled with the arcane details that will delight NASCAR fans, such as who came from farthest back to win a race, the first race fatality, the first race in the rain, and more. In all, some 300 accounts of amazing records and good-ol'-boy adventures trace NASCAR's colorful history.

Menzer, Joe. The Wildest Ride: A History of NASCAR (or, How a Bunch of Good Ol' Boys Built a Billion-Dollar Industry Out of Wrecking Cars). S. & S. 2001. 336p. illus. ISBN 0-7432-2625-9. pap. $14.
This is a solid history (not fluff), documenting the rise of stock car racing from regional sport to national phenomenon and tracing the careers of such figures as Wendell Scott, the first African American driver. (LJ 6/15/01)

Taking Stock: Life in NASCAR's Fast Lane. Potomac. 2002. 320p. ed. by Monte Dutton. photogs. index. ISBN 1-57488-559-6. pap. $15.95.
Eight of the sport's best-known journalists ruminate on a variety of NASCAR topics, both historical and contemporary. Their entertaining essays sizzle with passion for racing and will have wide appeal.

Wright, Jim. Fixin' To Git: One Fan's Love Affair with NASCAR's Winston Cup. Duke Univ. 2002. photogs. index. ISBN 0-8223-2926-3. $27.95; pap. ISBN 0-8223-3220-5. $18.95.
Sociologist and racing fan Wright writes in a popular style to describe racing demographics, interpret the history, and explain the popularity of NASCAR. His entertaining travelog of his racing weekends conveys what it is like to experience firsthand the thrills and pageantry of a race. (LJ 8/02)

Zeller, Bob. Daytona 500: An Official History. David Bull. 2002. 192p. photogs. ISBN 1-893618-19-6. $39.95.
Zeller (Jeff Gordon: Portrait of a Champion) narrates the history of NASCAR's most prestigious race since it began in 1959, covering the competition's famous drivers and the evolution of the sport. Photo reproduction is top-notch, even for the older shots.

The drivers

Allison, Donnie with Jimmie Creed. Donnie Allison: As I Recall. Sports Pub. 2005. 172p. photogs. ISBN 1-59670-060-2. $19.95.
Neither the best known nor the winningest driver, Donnie was often overshadowed by his higher-profile brother Bobby (see below), but his sharp sense of humor and storytelling ability are well communicated here.

Blake, Ben & Dick Conway. Richard Petty: Images of the King. Motorbks Internat. 2005. 256p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7603-2041-1. $29.95.
Petty holds more NASCAR records than any other driver, and this pictorial biography—many of the photos not previously published—shows him in action over his 30 years in racing.

Burt, William. NASCAR's Best: Stock Car Racing's Top Drivers, Past & Present. Motorbks. Internat. 2004. 320p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7603-1797-6. pap. $16.95.
This comprehensive guide to the best drivers in NASCAR history includes bios and full statistics for 80 of the top performers. The pocket size makes it a handy ready-reference tool, while the photos of drivers and cars add color.

Close, John & Stock Car Racing Magazine Eds. Tony Stewart: From Indy Phenom to NASCAR Superstar. Motorbks. Internat. 2004. 160p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7603-1855-7. pap. $19.95.
His aggressive, hard-charging style has made Stewart the driver fans love to hate. This collection of articles from Stock Car Racing, Circle Track, and Open Wheel magazines chronicles Stewart's life and career through words and images.

Cothren, Larry & Stock Car Racing Magazine Eds. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: Making a Legend of His Own. rev. & updated ed. Motorbks. Internat. 2005. 192p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7603-2301-1. pap. $19.95.
Though he lives in the shadow of his famous father, “Junior” is a fine driver in his own right. Stock Car Racing editor Cothren gathers articles from Circle Track and his own magazine that focus on Earnhardt's growing up in a racing family, on his thoughts on his father's 2001 fatal accident at Daytona, and why he keeps on racing.

The Earnhardt Collection: Because Winning Matters. Triumph Bks. 2004. 256p. illus. ISBN 1-57243-613-1. $23.95; pap. 2006. ISBN 1-57243-827-4. $12.95.
Unseen Earnhardt: The Man Behind the Mask. Motorbks. Internat. 2002. 192p. ed. by Lee Klancher. illus. index. ISBN 0-7603-1391-1. $29.95.
Dale Earnhardt's importance to a generation of fans is reflected in the number of photographic tributes published after his death. Assembled by the staff of NASCAR Scene magazine, The Earnhardt Collection captures the Intimidator's intensity as no other book has. Going back to Earnhardt's pre-NASCAR days as a weekend dirt track driver, Unseen Earnhardt offers a fresh perspective on how he developed his aggressive style.

Edelstein, Robert. Full Throttle: The Life and Fast Times of NASCAR Legend Curtis Turner. Overlook, dist. by Penguin Group (USA). 2005. 336p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-58567-438-9. $24.95; pap. 2006. ISBN 1-58567-751-5. $13.95.
“The Babe Ruth of stock car racing” in the 1950s and 1960s was banished from NASCAR for four years after attempting to form a driver's union. Edelstein (NASCAR Generations) entertainingly details Turner's colorful but abbreviated life. This August the legendary driver will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. (LJ 1/05)

Golenbock, Peter. Miracle: Bobby Allison and the Saga of the Alabama Gang. St. Martin's. 2006. 416p. photogs. ISBN 0-312-34001-X. $24.95.
Like the Earnhardts, the Allison brothers have endured both triumph, with Bobby becoming one of the greatest drivers, and tragedy when he lost two sons, one killed in a race, the other in a helicopter crash while traveling to a racing event. Sportswriter Golenbock focuses on the Allisons and the other Alabama drivers who made the region a racing hotbed in NASCAR's early days.

Grissom, Glen. Jeff Gordon: The NASCAR Superstar's Story. Motorbks. Internat. 2005. 160p. photogs. ISBN 0-7603-2178-7. pap. $19.95.
Gordon is a consistent driver and has more fans than nearly any of his competitors. This bio includes the color shots they expect.

The Pit Stop

Evernham: Racer, Innovator, Leader. Triumph Bks. 2002. 156p. photogs. ISBN 1-57243-457-0. $29.95.
Recently named NASCAR's top all-time crew chief, Ray Evernham guided Jeff Gordon to three major championships in the 1990s. This narrative quotes the founder/owner of the Evernham Motorsports racing team in describing his successful methods and his passion for excellence.

Jensen, Tom. Cheating: An Inside Look at the Bad Things Good NASCAR Nextel Cup Racers Do in Pursuit of Speed. updated & expanded ed. David Bull. 2004. 250p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-893618-44-7. $17.95.
The former editor of Winston Cup Scene, interviewing team owners, crew chiefs, drivers, and NASCAR officials, finds that modern racers test the rules as much as ever, but gaining an unfair advantage is now more difficult.

McReynolds, Larry with Jeff Huneycutt. How To Become a Winning Crew Chief. David Bull. 2005. 176p. illus. ISBN 1-893618-47-1. pap. $24.95.
One of the most successful NASCAR crew chiefs outlines the knowledge and skills, preparations and strategies that a crew chief needs. Well written, and the only book available on this topic. See web addendum for his memoir Larry McReynolds...My Life from Pit Road to the Broadcast Booth.

Everything You Want To Know

Allison, Liz. The Girl's Guide to NASCAR. Center Street. 2006. 224p. ISBN 1-931722-71-4. pap. $17.95.
For women wanting to understand NASCAR, the widow of driver Davey Allison includes inside tips on driver preferences, personal stories, and unspoken NASCAR rules, while explaining why doors on race cars don't open and identifying the best restaurants near particular race tracks.

Coble, Don & Lee Buchanan. Insider's Guide to the NASCAR Tracks: The Unofficial, Opinionated, Fan's Guide to the Nextel Cup Circuit. Globe Pequot. 2004. 272p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-7627-2723-3. pap. $12.95.
Not just a track-by-track guide to the current NASCAR circuit (with inside tips on the best seats, places to eat, lodging options, etc.), this resource also reveals history, organization, and famous winners.

Martin, Mark. NASCAR for Dummies©. 2d ed. Wiley. 2005. 316p. illus. index. ISBN 0-7645-7681-X. pap. $21.99.
Authored by a former champion NASCAR driver, this “Dummies” entry offers a mix of easy facts, fun and helpful lists (the ten greatest drivers, the ten can't-miss races, etc.), and basic material for gaining technical know-how.

Miller, Timothy & Steve Milton. NASCAR Now. Firefly. 2004. 160p. photogs. ISBN 1-55297-829-X. pap. $19.95.
A good all-round introduction, covering the history, tracks, scoring, points, sponsorship, and safety, as well as the best-known drivers. Includes color photos, charts, maps, and a glossary. Will appeal to teen readers as well as adults. [A second edition is due out in September.]

NASCAR Encyclopedia: The Complete Record of America's Most Popular Sport. Motorbks. Internat. 2003. 1009p. ed. by Peter Golenbock & Greg Fielden. illus. ISBN 0-7603-1571-X. $39.95.
This mammoth work features listings for every driver that ever participated in a sanctioned race, every registered team owner, every track, and every race ever run. A separate section is devoted to NASCAR records, arranged by season, career, driver or owner, and manufacturer.

DVDs

NASCAR: The IMAX Experience. color. 48 min. Simon Wincer, dist. by Warner Home Video. 2005. $14.98.
Narrated by Keifer Sutherland, this IMAX movie is also a blockbuster in home viewing format. The sights and sounds are spectacular, and the sequences of racing, filmed right on the track, include amazing cockpit footage. Rated PG for some crash scenes.

The Last American Hero. color. 95 min. Lamont Johnson, dist. by 20th Century Fox. 2006. $14.95.
Starring Jeff Bridges, this 1973 adaptation of Tom Wolfe's compelling magazine article about race driver Junior Johnson mixes smooth acting with well-filmed on-track action.

NASCAR on the Web

Many of the most popular NASCAR drivers have their own web sites, found by adding “.com” after their names.

Daytona International Speedway
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
The raceway's site is graphically intense and features all the latest NASCAR news.

NASCAR
www.nascar.com
Offers links to individual driver pages, complete history of the sport, as well as current updates on race winners, points standings, team plans, and rule changes.

ThatsRacin.com
www.thatsracin.com
Covers racing of all types, but its greatest focus is NASCAR; up-to-the-minute news, results, and schedule information.