Good Pre war Racing book read

[SC38dls]

I just finished an interest racing pre war story. The book is called “FASTER “ by Neal Bascomb. It is about a driver that gets together with a rich socialite sponsor to put together a racing team to beat the Hitler backed national team. A lot of interesting side stories and a quick read. History with cars, how can you beat it when everyone seems to need something interesting to do. 
Hope this hasn’t been posted before, if so sorry I missed  it as I enjoyed the read. 
dave s 

[Steve Moskowitz]

Yep, and I wrote my AACA editorial on the book.  If you are a race fan read Rapid Response by Dr. Steve Olvey....it will amaze you and shock you.  

[SC38dls]

Steve, I read your article The same day my wife got me the book. You hit the nail on the head. Fascinating story with a lot of interesting detail on a variety of cars and drivers. 
dave s 

[Gary_Ash]

I finally got around to reading Faster by Neal Bascomb.  It is a good read.  It covers a lot of history of the European car builders like Delahaye (the focus of the book), Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Auto Union, Maserati, and others.  There is also a lot of background about the drivers and team managers of the 1920s-1930s era.

http://8w.forix.com/delahaye/delahaye145-mann.jpg

 

As a companion book, Grand Prix Saboteurs by Joe Saward tells the story of a number of French racing drivers who became part of the French resistance movement in WWII.  Much of their earlier racing history is described.  After reading both books, I have a much better understanding of the cars, drivers, and politics of the period.

[padgett]

And for a little more recent, my favorite racing book is still "Stand On It" by Bill Neely.

[SC38dls]

Gary that was a good book. I read it then passed it on to another car guy and it is now in the hands of the fifth pass along. Every one has enjoyed it and asked if it was ok to give to someone else. 
dave s 

[CarNucopia]

If you're looking to pass the time with some racing books, here's a a few more that I liked:

 

The Limit which is about Phil Hill and Wolfgang Von Trips battle for the 1961 World Championship

Speed Dual about Art Arfons and  Craig Breedlove's battle for the land speed record

Black Noon about the tragic events of the 1964 Indy 500

Blood and Smoke about the events leading to the first Indy 500

[West Peterson]

59 minutes ago, Car-Nicopia said:

 

Love your signature. I had to copy it and paraphrase for my own.

 

[West Peterson]

On 6/23/2020 at 11:17 AM, SC38DLS said:

I just finished an interest racing pre war story. The book is called “FASTER “ by Neal Bascomb. It is about a driver that gets together with a rich socialite sponsor to put together a racing team to beat the Hitler backed national team. A lot of interesting side stories and a quick read. History with cars, how can you beat it when everyone seems to need something interesting to do. 
Hope this hasn’t been posted before, if so sorry I missed  it as I enjoyed the read. 
dave s 

I read it this summer after Steve told me about it. It is a page turner for sure. Great story.

[padgett]

Wes: must be a fan of Yogisms.

Can also recommend "The Fast Ones" - Peter Miller,  "When the Flag Drops" - Jack Brabham (only man to win a F1 championship with a modified Buick).

[erichill]

I read this book earlier this year and loved it.  Really gives you a feel for how these men and women lived and raced.  It's one of those books I will reread every coupe of years.