Product Description
America s love affair with drag racing has been going strong for over 50 years, and it has never been easier to get involved and go racing. You can bet that on any given weekend, there s a drag race happening somewhere near you. Whether you re bracket racing your daily driver, tuning the new suspension setup on your weekend bracket racer, or competing in one of many pro classes, drag racing is the participation motorsport of choice.
At each drag strip, you ll find a mix of hardened veterans, first timers, and everything in between. The trick to a rewarding experience each and every time out is to know what to do, how to do it, and how to go as fast as you possibly can. In How to Drag Race, author Kevin McKenna, editor at National DRAGSTER, NHRA's weekly news magazine, gives enthusiasts of all experience levels advice on how to take their drag racing to the next level.
McKenna uses more than 300 color photos to show you what to expect your first time out, how to set your street or racecar up for consistency and speed, and driving technique for enthusiasts at all levels. He discusses tires, safety equipment, driving aids like line-locks and delay boxes, choosing a class, and advanced racer math. Special sections detail how to maximize your current setup and strategy bracket racing success.
If you have ever thought it would be fun to give drag racing a try, this book is for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent in depth coverage
Very interesting material that will teach everything from a to z.
Hard to put down, if you are researching how to drag race.Excellent source.

Very good
If you are a beginner, or would like to learn more about Sportsman class drag racing, this book is an excellent tool. Easy to read, lots of pictures, and well thought out. Note: this book is written with novice or completely inexperience racers in mind.

Read, Race, Repeat.
I thought I was a pretty good drag racer (4 wins in 95-96), and now I'm back into it. After reading this book, not only would a beginner understand what to do (and have a better clue than I did when I started), but a veteran can look back and see things click between print and actual racing. If you're new, this will get you started and excited. If you've raced a little, it will help you get better. ... Read more

Product Description

A cloud of vaporized rubber at the starting line, flaming exhaust headers, and a roar like nothing you've ever heard before. Drag racing's machines are the fastest race cars on earth -- capable of accelerating to 330 mph in less than five seconds. And for tens of thousands of drivers and crew members and millions of fans, this is the most exciting sport in the world.

From hot rods speeding across abandoned airfields, salt flats, and dry desert lakes to nitro-burnin' Funny Cars rocketing down the strip to the cheers of thousands of fans, The Fast Lane chronicles fifty years of heart-pounding drag racing and the organization that made the sport what it is today: the National Hot Rod Association.

Unlike any book ever published on drag racing, The Fast Lane captures the heart and soul of NHRA. With more than 230 bold, full-color photographs, this lavish book showcases the achievements, the glory, the drivers, the fans, and the highenergy spectacle that make NHRA drag racing a national passion. The Fast Lane is also a dazzling photographic celebration of innovative technology -- dragsters and Funny Cars burning nitromethane; stock cars, trucks, and motorcycles on high energy spectacle that make NHRA drag racing a national passion. The Fast Lane is also a dazzling photographic celebration of innovative technology -- dragsters and Funny Cars burning nitromethane; stock cars, trucks, and motorcycles on highoctane gasoline -- machines whose power and fury are truly unmatched. If you love drag racing, you must have this book!

Customer Reviews (15)

A very beautiful book
This is an oversized book with abeautiful contemporary layout of action photographs and illustrations that explain the history, the types of machines and the people who make up the NHRA.I am glad I found it.And I found it used on Amazon.

nothing but shameless self-promotion
Do yourself a favor and pass this one by.It is by no means a history of drag racing.Rather, it's the NHRA practically breaking it's arm patting itself on the back.Racers who don't cowtow to the "Gods in Glendora" are largely ignored.Can you believe Garlits is hardly represented at all?!Many other gaffes abound.Not a winner.

Spectacular advertising
Good photography. Actually, it is an interesting coffeetable book. But, if you are at all into drag racing, and have been for any legnth of time, it will seem to be very little more than a large, glossy ad for the NHRA Today. Lots of photos and bios on the current racing teams, especially those with the "big bucks". Very little on the actual history, more current pictures of the legends like Garlits and Prudhomme than there are "good old days" pictures. It is a nicely done picture book with some interesting background information, but I could not consider it a very complete "history".While theNHRA began on the west coast, there was still considerable drag racing on the east coast, which is not a part of this particular history. I was excited by the other reviews, which highly praised the book. Unfortunately, the book was a gift for my husband, who has been in and around racing for 40+ years, and he was polite, but disappointed with the content, in the context of an historical information book.

Where's "Big Daddy"
This book covers the world's fastest motorsport from its inception right up to the present day, with excellent photography, and is a must for any drag racing fan.But there is one man who isn't in this book and deserves to be above all other drivers.A pioneer, a lasting influence, an ingenius innovator, whose name has become synonymous with Top Fuel racing, and he is of course "Big Daddy" Don Garlits.He designed the rear-engined dragster which is the fundamental basis for every Top Fuel racer competing in the sport today, and he set the stage for the 4 second, 330 mph runs seen in the USA today.When the book is reprinted the NHRA must rectify their mistake by including Don.

Six stars if there was space...
From the stark, dusty craters of the moon to the ionized gas clouds surrounding the remote star Alpha Thobos, this book will allow you to truly experience the vast, empty, death-bucket that is our greater reality.Truly worth it's five stars -- this rag-tag assemblage of aluminum and glass reveals the universe for what it truly is -- both infinitely horrible and at the same time infinitely meaningless. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Funny Cars Then And Now
This is a fantastic book on the subject with many great pictures of historic cars of the '70s up to the present A must have if you like funny cars.

A fine effort.
I really enjoyed Mr. Hart's work again. His other titles really deserve to be reprinted so they can still be had for a reasonable price. There are occassional mistakes in the captions, but they are easy to overlook in light of the value of the gift of seeing all the great old cars and racers who made this era so special once again. Well worth the money.

Must have book
Lew is one of the best writers of Drag Racing in the world.If you build model cars his books are the best source of info about both the cars and the drivers.

Drag Racing Funny Cars


It brought back memories of the fun years of racing the in 60's and early 70's.

Drag racing history
Another good photo archive.Most of the pictures aren't real sharp, but fun to see anyway. An enjoyable read. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (15)

John Force
As a fan of John Force I really appreciated all of the information included in this book. Reading this material makes you appreciate all of his success so much more after reading about all that he went through during his early years.

Explains why Drag Racing is in a downward spiral to oblivion.
If John Force is today's drag racing superstar then that explains why drag racing is going nowhere fast. He is a whiner and a crybaby who has never had a good word to say about his competitors. I remember when a new mustang body for his funny car went way over NHRA's rules but his incessant whining, crying and threats eventually got NHRA to capitulate and allow the exceptions but on his car only! A commenter didn't like a review I posted about Force and instead of a rebuff, the commenter took to insults, much like Force would. The biggest thing I do not like about John Force is that when things don't go his way, he blames everyone else.

John Force Straight story of Drag Racing's 300-mph Superstar
I grew up Learning and seeing Drag racing live. I have seen some of the sports thrills and spills. If there was anyone who could tell the truth about the sport it would be John Force. The book was fantastic a great read to share the life and the legaccey of a 14 time champ and and awsome father and team owner.

John Force biography
Great book, covering much of his lengthy career, and touching on his daughter's as well.

Brilliant
Fantastic easy to read book. Very interesting and inspiring to see how persistent John was, his success was a long time in the making. ... Read more

Product Description

Two cars, a straight line and a burning desire to win.

Drag racing is the simplest and purest form of auto racing: two competitors accelerate from a standing start to the finish line. Once considered the "bad boy" of motorsport, drag racing has evolved into one of the most technically sophisticated forms of automotive competition. There are almost 400 professional racetracks devoted to competitive drag racing in North America.

Customer Reviews (2)

Modern day Drag Racing
This is a great book with lots of good pictures. It covers all forms of drags except Pro Bikes. Great text also.

Good Book, Fun Pictures
This is a book review written by one of my wonderful students as a class assignment. His name is Chez, and this is what he wrote:

I read "orag Racing" and I liked it, because I like to race too. I love cars and anything else with an engine. The mcdonald's car is my favorite because I ike their food. If you want to know more about drag racing as a sport ,or just want to see cool pictures, then read this book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

The Way It Was
McClurg's book is spectacular!!! Love the way the book flows, awesome photos from the various eras. Especially good with the early 1970's rear engine fuelers. First rate!

ANOTHER SUPERLATIVE EFFORT
This book is superb, even surpassing McClurg's earlier tome.Lots of sharp color and black and white images.The book is divided into genres, like slingshots, gassers, etc.I'd have liked a few more fuel altered shots, but that's quibbling.It's an excellent book that you should make it your business to get.

awesome book
Great stories on the history of drag racing. The pictures are excellent. if your a drag racing buff, this book is great ... Read more

Product Description
Without a doubt, the most popular classes in drag racing are the feature cars that the Average Joe has a chance to drive and afford. In the early and mid-60s, this era was especially interesting as the cars that people were racing were muscle cars right off the showroom floor.
Super Stock takes a look at what was the most popular class of drag racing factory Super Stock. It traces the evolution of the cars, the engines, the rules, the personalities, and many of the teams, from its beginnings in the mid-1950s through to the 1960s and the era of the Super Stock 409s, Ramchargers, 421 Pontiacs, and 406 Fords. This was a time when Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors competed on a weekly basis at local drag strips throughout the country, and the saying ...win on Sunday, sell on Monday... had real significance in the marketplace. This is also the period that saw emergence of the term musclecar and the production of a whole class of American automobiles which are now the most sought after by collectors, restorers, and performance enthusiasts.
This affordable edition of Super Stock: Drag Racing the Family Sedan is a paperback release of the original best selling hardcover edition. It includes all the same first-person accounts of what drag racing was really like in the early 1960s, how the manufacturers controlled the competition and the results of the races, and how the sanctioning bodies attempted to control the manufacturers, who in turn simply sidestepped the rules. Appendices include all of the major event winners and the rules defining the classes as well as information detailing the engines and chassis competing in Top Stock categories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Super Stock
I am unable to review as of this date, January 17, 2009 - I have as yet not received this item - last correspondence from your site was that I would be getting an update on January 15th,2009 - PLEASE ADVISE STATUS.Thank you.

It just flat out takes you back!
A great book, well written on quality art paper with all the photos you need to take you back to the time when Dick Landy battled it out with 'The Grump' while Ronnie Sox warmed up the 4-speed prior to hole-shotting Dyno-Don!
The perfect coffee table book - BUY IT!

Super Stock:Drag Racing With The Family

The book was a gift for friends.They seemed to enjoy it very much.

Top notch book!
If you like old muscle cars drag racing, this book is for you. i highly recommend it.

A Great Book for Fans of 1950's and 60's Drag Racing.
I have really enjoyed Larry Davis's book on Super Stock Drag Racing. This 210 page,hardbound book is packed with easy reading, informative text and hundreds of period photographs. Mr. Davis's book covers the golden era (1955 thru 1968) of stock drag racing, involving both private and factory sponsored cars. There is an appendix and glossary at the back of the book,covering the drivers, cars,drag strips,race classes and rules. This book is a must have for fans of vintage drag racing. Equally recommended is Larry Davis's companion book, GASSER WARS. ... Read more

Product Description
Quarter-Mile Chaos looks at the treacherous side of drag racing’s golden age. Almost 200 rare and stunning photographs from the late 1960s and early to mid 1970s capture terrifying fires, explosions, and crashes—all by-products of the quest to go faster. Quarter-Mile Chaos is full of up close and personal documentation of the perilous task of reaching the 1,320-foot mark first. Armed with just a couple of cameras and some film, veteran drag racing photographer Steve Reyes shot some of the most dramatic and eye-catching pictures of these quarter-mile warriors. Reyes roamed the nation’s hazardous strips in search of the perfect action photo. The result is some of the most breathtaking drag racing imagery ever recorded depicting out-of-control demolition and devastation during drag racing’s most entertaining era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Hot Shots
Steve Reyes was always in the right place at the right time to catch some of the wildest rides in Drag Racing. The man is a master with a Nikon.
This is a must have for Drag Racing fans.

A Bad Day At The Races
unbelievable shots of big time problems on the drag strips. quarter mile chaos is truely the perfect name for this book. Reyes worked all over the country and got all the great shots of kaboomers from coast to coast.Loved it!

quarter mile chaos
I enjoyed this book very much.I collect a lot of drag racing books and I belive this is one of the best.The photos are very good, and it is enjoyable to read. I belive the late 1960's to the middle 1970.s are some of the greatest times in drag racing history.The funny cars looked great , like the muscle car of the days. cuda, mustang, challangers, gto, camaro.javelin .corvette plus many others.Bob McClurg did a fine job.

Steve Reyes is the greatest drag racing photographer EVER...
I actually have not gotten this book yet, but I don't even have to see it to know that it's an amazing collection of images from the most exciting days of the sports' history.

I grew up loving both drag racing and photography, and in fact, I shot for Leslie Lovett of NHRA occasionally in Englishtown and Indy back in the late '70's. Steve Reyes was my hero back then for his unbelieveable ability to be in the right place at the right time and his artistic skills to capture the visceral qualities of the sport...the massive power, the pure display of American virility as seen in beautifully designed and adorned race cars (much more important in drag racing than in NASCAR or even CART), even the seductive smell of burning nitro are somehow imbued in Reyes' images, especially his night images from OCIR.To me, many of his images seemed to transcend the simple recording of the SoCal racing scene...they were created with a deep appreciation and love for the titanic, mythical qualities that defined the sport.I don't want to gild the lily here, but I think some of his images are works of art of museum quality.

I'm so glad to see his work resurfacing in this book, and it's on the top of my wish list for my upcoming birthday.

Drag Racing
I ordered Quarter Mile Chaos as a birthday gift for my boyfriend.We attended a drag race last year and it was awesome so I couldnt wait to get the book.When it arrived, I read it cover to cover and was really impressed with the pictures.I didnt realize the pictures were from years ago and I was worried my boyfriend might not relate to them but I was so wrong.He knew so much about almost every picture in the book.It was a pleasure watching him look through the book.Thank you. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Fuel and Guts - The Birth of Top Fuel Drag Racing
Bought this for my boyfriend... He loved it.Good for guys/girls that are really into the history of drag racing.Great pictures and lots of information

History of Drag Racing -- California Perspective
I love this book.It takes me back to a time when you could weld some tubes together, drop in an engine , pour in some nitromethane, and run it out.These are the stories of legendary men and women of our time that made history on the asphalt strips of California.There will never be a time again of such pure simplicity of art expressed in men and machines.

The title "Fuel and Guts" says it all.It's all about guys strapped into frame rails, feet against clutch cans, flames from headers, smoking tires and chutes blossoming at top end as told by the heroes themselves.

and now a word from the editor
This was one of the first projects I worked on when I joined the Motorbooks staff. A rather cranky guy named Tom Madigan called me on my first morning, looking for some photographs he had sent with a book proposal about a year earlier. I told him I hadn't been a Motorbooks employee back then, but I'd be happy to see if I could locate the missing pix. When I found them, I immediately took them to my new boss, explained the situation, made him look at the photos, and asked if they weren't some of the coolest old drag racing pictures he'd ever seen. Then, I called Tom back and told him I'd found the photos and could send them back right away, but I'd prefer to keep them because I wanted to do a book with him.Thus began a long, sometimes tedious, but ultimately insanely rewarding journey.

Those of you who have read the first edition (the second edition is being printed as I write this) might have noticed that Kent Fuller's name is mispelled pretty much throughout the book as "Ken Fuller."That was my doing.Before you start thinking I'm an idiot, turn to page 181 in the book and look at the cowl of Roland Leong's "Hawaiian" dragster.What does it say?That's right, it says "Ken."I saw this just before we sent the proofs to the printer.Now, I know that Kent Fuller's name is Kent Fuller, but there it was, right on Roland's car: Ken.I panicked.I thought I must have been wrong all these years.I looked in Dr. Bob Post's seminal book on Top Fuel racing, High Performance, and it reaffirmed what I had thought I knew to be true.Why, though, would Roland have painted the wrong spelling on his car?I called Tom, but he was out of his office.So I made an executive decision.The wrong one, it turned out.Okay, now that you know the whole story, you can go ahead and tell me I'm an idiot.(As an aside to this story, I saw Roland at a book signing Autobooks/Aerobooks in Los Angeles had for Fuel & Guts.I immediately informed him of the trouble he'd caused me.To this day, he maintains that he really thought it was Ken, not Kent.No, Roland wouldn't do anything like mispell somebody's name to get a rise out of the guy, would he?Not Roland!Who, by the way, is one of the nicest people I've ever met.Which either says something about him or the rest of the folk I've encountered in my life.)

So, the basic point I'm making here is that Fuel & Guts is an oral history.There are occasional mistakes, people misremember things (I mean, most of the people in the book are approaching their 200th birthday, for crying out loud), people have axes to grind or they just want to poke fun at their peers -- it's everything a good oral history should be, and it'll give you a really good idea of what it was like to create a brand new form of motorsport.If you couldn't be there yourself, reading these stories is the next best thing.I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of making this book, from working with Tom Madigan to meeting a few of the drag-racing heroes of my youth.It was a labor of love, and, judging from all the nice reviews, it sure has paid off.Thanks to all of you for making it possible.Now quit reading this stuff and buy the book.You'll like it.

Gets your juices flowing!
This is a great book for anyone interested in the history of drag racing. Great stories, pictures and technical information. Brings you back to when drag racing was raw and gutsy. Makes you want to get out on the track (again?). Good for the novice and the old timers!

a great read for racing fans
I got this book for my husband for xmas. He reads it almost nightly and is always reading me exerpts from the true stories of drag racing's legends. The pictures are awesome too.THANKS FOR A GREAT BOOK. HE LOVES IT!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This book contains a huge amount of information and helpful tips for those who want to get into motorcycle drag racing. If you're just getting started, author Tom Murphy's seasoned advice will help you avoid expensive mistakes and pitfalls.

Murphy leads you step-by-step through a racer's typical day at the drags, then steps you up to the staging area to get the basics of racing motorcycles a quarter-mile at a time. He shows you how to train and condition yourself, how to prepare your street bike for racing, how to build an all-out bike for racing, and even how to find a sponsor when you find yourself close to pro racing status.

Along the way, Murphy covers timing and starting line systems, engine modifications, fuels, induction systems, ignition and other electronics, turbo- and supercharging, nitrous oxide systems, transmissions and clutches, frame modifications, and typical costs for competitive drag racing motorcycles. All this is accomplished with Tom Murphy's unique brand of humor which makes this book an entertaining read as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for any aspiring drag racer
This is an amazing book.It literally covers everything you've ever wanted to know but might have been reluctant to ask.

While there is tons of information, it's still easy to follow and will prove to be a major asset to anyone considering drag racing.I continue to recommend this book to anyone who is considering going racing.

Buy it.You won't regret it. ... Read more

Product Description
Winner of International Automotive Media Gold Award 2010

Don "The Snake" Prudhommein his Barracuda.Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen in his Duster.The "Snake vs. Mongoose" racing feud had been making headlines long before they got their Funny Cars, but it wasn't until they made a deal with Mattel that drag racing became the multimillion-dollar business that it is today.Happily co-opted by Mattel, the rivalry described in Snake vs. Mongoose was nonetheless real.Author Tom Madigan tells the story from the beginning, when engine builder Ed Donovan, with a nod to "The Jungle Book," dubbed his driver "The Mongoose"--the one creature who could strike faster than a Snake.The book chronicles the bad press, the toe-to-toe standoffs, and some of the best races in drag racing history.And within that story, Madigan captures the transformation of drag racing from the gritty, gut-driven sport of the 60s into the full-fledged money-making machine of our day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent
I was very surprised by this book. I grew up following these guys and reading every article in all the magazines, so thought I knew everything there was to know about them. I was so wrong. There is a lot more to the story, and this book is where to find it. Told by many of the people who worked with Don and Tom, they fill in a lot of gaps. Much history of drag racing, plus the personal sides of the story told by those who lived it.

Two Old Drag Racers
This is a Great account of how two guys from different back grounds with the same Love of a Sport helped to change the way both people and corporations looked at Drag RAcing.They paved the way for the way for how sponsors became involved with the Fastest Sport on Earth.

A fascinating history tells how drag racing evolved to its current status
SNAKE VS. MONGOOSE: HOW A RIVALRY CHANGED DRAG RACING FOREVER is a 'must' for any motorsports collection. It pairs vivid color photos throughout with a survey of a headliner racing feud that turned into a Hot Wheels promotion elevating drag racing to a multimillion-dollar business. A fascinating history tells how drag racing evolved to its current status.

snake and mongoose book
Good book, great service.I liked the book great pictures and informative text. Good book for anyone who grew up in the 1970's and liked drag racing.Cool if you collect or collected hot wheels cars.

Oh, The Memories!
This book brought back so many memories of my brother Joe and I standing against the fence at the local drag strip, watching in amazement as the Snake and the Mongoose funny cars came to life.The story and history of these two drag racing legends comes to life reading this book.My love of Hot Wheels as a child was because of the Snake and Mongoose and the pictures in this book are fantastic!I thought I'd seen them all but what a treat it was to see some never before seen photos of the cars and Prudhomme and McEwen.This book is first rate and a must for any drag racing fan.Long before drag racing giants, John Force and Tony Schumacher, there was the Snake and the Mongoose.No one will ever take their place! ... Read more

Product Description
Popular drivers like "Dandy Dick" Landy, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, Ronnie Sox, Bob Glidden, Wally Booth, Wayne Gapp, Warren Johnson, "Dyno" Don Nicholson, Lee Hunter, Scott Shafiroff, Brad Yuill, Richie Zul, and many more are all showcased in drag race action in this door-slammer pictorial. A must for hardcore Pro Stock fans! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

'70s Pro Stock!
Some very cool old photo's! Unfortunatly the person matching the captions to the photo's must still be living in the '70s and smoking pot! Some of the captions don't match what is in the photo.

Pro Stock Drag Racing
For those of us who remember the days when Pro Stock race cars looked like the cars we drove on the street. Well put together photos and descriptions make it worth the price of admission to the pits!

car crazy
If (thatguy01) is going to review a book, he must read it very carefully to give the review credibility. Page 37, "Ive Beringhouse is gone now" and page 109, "Don suffered fatal injuries." Quite clear that these race car drivers are deceased. Pro Stock fans will love this book.

Pro Stock Drag Racing of the 70's
Great photos, but the text has more misinformation than Howard Dean.

Nice photos
Plenty of good photos.Lots of color photos.The b/w photos are from great b/w drag racing photographers, like Charlie Gilchrist (you can see more at [...]).

I've docked two stars because of the captions.

There are obvious errors that don't correspond to the photos (eg, "Sandy Elliot" driving the Sandy Elliot Comet when usual shoe Barrie Poole's name is lettered on the window), plus spelling errors that are evident from the photos, so I don't have a lot of confidence in any information that isn't directly based on the photos.
... Read more

Product Description
The 1960s was arguably the most important decade for drag racing. It had exciting cars, thrilling races, and most importantly, factory participation. Among the best high-performance cars and engines were those coming from Dearborn, Michigan. Ford Motor Company's "Total Performance Years" saw a breakthrough as drag racing helped the younger, performance- and style-conscious consumer to begin receiving some recognition.(Ford used the phrase "Total Performance' to refer to and promote its performance program in the '60s.) Factory participation in drag racing pushed the envelope for high performance developments. Ford's FE-series engine, Police Interceptor, GT 390, Single Overhead Cam, Cobra Jet, and Boss 429 are all covered in detail. See the cars and the drivers that made them famous - Dick Brannan's Goldfinger, Bill Lawton's Mystery Mustang, "Dyno Don" Nicholson's Eliminator Comet, Gas Ronda's stretched Mustang, Al Joenic's Batcar, and more. Accomplished journalist and life-long Ford aficionado Charles Morris takes you back to the Total Performance Years through first-hand accounts as well as over 400 never-before-seen photographs. A drag racer since 1966, Morris has run cars in both Stock and Super Stock classes. He is currently the owner of the original Norristown Ford 1963-1/2 lightweight Galaxie and races the car in Nostalgia Super Stock as part of the 422 Motorsports Drag Racing Team. This book is a must read for all drag racing fans, not just Ford enthusiasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Ford Drag Racing at its best.
Let me begin by saying there is NO down side to this book.If you are looking for a comprehensive and entertaining book on Ford drag racing in the 1960's this is it. This book has no equal. Mr Morris has more than done his homework in regards to providing acurate/interesting information for the reader about Ford drag racing. The pictures parallel the story line in terms of quality and sometimes rarity.I think what separates this book from something similar is that it appears Mr. Morris was a part of the 1960's drag racing scene and his passion for the sport is obvious.I'm the kind of person who usually dosen't care to take the time to write product reviews but in this case I owe it to other possible readers [ and Charlie Morris ] to give credit when credit is due. If your into Ford Racing and have a passion for its rich history this book is a must. I have seen pictures and read information from this book that I have yet to find from other sources.

Fast n Friendly
Nice book covers most all of the big-time ford flyers from the sixty's and seventys.
Brought a lot of memories from U.S. Nationals at Indy.
Best of the best were there, this book covered them.
Nice purchase ,will do the Mopar book next.
Worked for G.M. hated them

Ford Fans
This is a great book.It covers everything Ford did drag racing wise in the 60's

Wonderfully showcases drag strip racing breakthroughs in automotive performance
Total Performers: Ford Drag Racing In The 1960s by journalist and dedicated racing fan Charles Morris clearly documents the decade of the 60s as one packed with exciting cars, thrilling races, and substantial factory participation in the development of drag racing vehicles and technologies. Enhanced with 130 full color and 390 black/white photographs, Total Performers wonderfully showcases drag strip racing breakthroughs in automotive performance that included Ford's FE-series engine, the Police Interceptor, GT 390, Single Overhead Cam, Cobra Jet, Boss 429, and more. Here are all of the cars and their drivers that made drag racing history. Also very highly recommended from CarTech Auto Books & Manuals for car racing enthusiasts and fans is Pat Ganahl's Von Dutch: The Art, The Myth, The Legend (1884089984, $39.95).
... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Drag Racing Gassers Photo Archive
This is a great coffee table book for the nostalgia drag race fan who remembers the excitment of the Willys, Bantams, Fiats, Ford Model Ts' with superchargedor injected engines that more often than not launched with wheelstands and tire smoke that caused great excitment in the stands. Just as popular as todays Pto-Mod cars, There was a large rivalry between the drivers back in the day of "wild Willie" Borsch, Stone,Woods.Cook, K.S. Pittman, John Mazmanian and more. I can remember seeing these drivers at Lions Drag Strip in the '60s with their cars wild candy paint jobs and blower scoops poking out of the hoods. You won't be disappointed with this book!

Drag Racing Gassers

This is an excellent book for those of us that were around in the 60's at the drag races. The cars that are covered and the photos and descriptions put you right there at the track. It brought back a lot of good memories for me, and I am using this book to teach a couple of younger drag racers what it was like back in the day. Great photos of 33,40,& 41 Willys and of Anglias & Thames panel trucks turns the clock back in a very good way.

A Drag Racers Dream!
Great book! Photos are plentiful...If you are into old gassers or own one or just like to go to the drags...this book is great! A must have....

Drag Racing Gassers
The book details the transformation of Gassers toward what became Funny cars. It was all in the name of speed and how getting there changed the cars. It presesnted a side of history often overlooked, but recorded before it was forgotten. There was some repetition in what cars were presented in the book. It was an enjoyable read and view. It was helpful in researching the period correctness for a future Gasser to be built.

great old mopar pics
pic has some of the best pics of old mopars I have seen. Really a great book. Some pics are redundant but it has alot and they are real neat!! Recommend highly. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on modified versions of Detroit's new muscle cars, this neophyte spectacle known as Super Stock drag racing received a boon in 1964 when NASCAR banned Chrysler's monstrous 426 Hemi. The automaker responded by funneling the majority of its motorsport resources into Super Stock drag racing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Way disappointed!
Someone above said "Where's Sox & Martin, Gas Ronda, Bill Jenkins, Gene Snow's "Rambunctious" funny car - the first to go over 200mph, the Little Red Wagon, the list goes on. It's a neat book, but it falls short - way short. Do yourself a favor; buy it used in the best condition available at the cheapest price." I agree wholeheartedly and must add - where's Ed Miller and his Hemi duster that won the 1967 WORLD championship in Super Stock Eliminator?? 1967 is covered in the book but this was a GLARING oversight!

Was a little disappointed
I knew before purchasing this book that it was only 96 pages in length. I also knew it would be impossible to list the vast array of vintage & historic drag racers. However, this book could have been (and should have been) at least double, if not triple, in length. Yes, the pictures are great - they should be, as almost all of these race cars & dragsters are museum pieces restored to maximum professional standards. But more importantly, there were way too many drag racers that were left out that have more historical value than what's represented here. Where's Sox & Martin, Gas Ronda, Bill Jenkins, Gene Snow's "Rambunctious" funny car - the first to go over 200mph, the Little Red Wagon, the list goes on. It's a neat book, but it falls short - way short. Do yourself a favor; buy it used in the best condition available at the cheapest price.

Thumbs Up !!!!!!!
I liked this book a great deal, outstanding photography and good reviews on each car. I have several of Mr. Genats books and enjoy them all.

wanted a little more
what was in the book was great, but i thought there should have been more. i wanted info on some of my favorite cars(i.e. sox and martin and so on)on top of cars that were featured but relatively unknown

One of the best!
Not only does Robert Genat take outstanding photographs of the hot rods in his book, the accompanying text matches the quality of the photographs big time. He explores the world of drag racing in a manner that is enjoyable for both racing addicts as well as the novice. His text is easy-reading and makes the history of each car, owner and driver come alive. He covers cars that were in action from the 50s into the 70s. Drag racing is a somewhat neglected sport media-wise with the recent popularity of stock car racing so this book is a very welcome addition to any die-hard drag racing fan's library. ... Read more

Product Description
High Performance is a dramatic, firsthand history of this daring sport, from the earliest "legal" drags run on rural airfields to the spectacular—and sometimes tragic—careers of drag racing's most daring innovators. Post, a former racer himself, was an eyewitness to many of the episodes he describes. He has interviewed many of drag racing's legends and superstars, such as "Pappy" Hart, who opened the first commercial strip in Santa Ana, California, in 1950, and Florida's "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, the first person to define himself as a professional drag racer.

Post looks at all aspects of drag racing: the sport, the business, the means of personal affirmation. But most of all he explores it as a case study of technological enthusiasm, tracking the innovations that permitted racers to disprove on pavement the "laws of physics" authorities had laid out on paper. What emerges is a compelling look at the men and women who have devoted their lives to this extraordinary pursuit. In this revised edition, Post continues the story into the present, surveying the dynamics of the sport during the past decade. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Drag Racing in Depth
This book is a comprehensive black and white format book that covers the sport more than any other i've owned. Lots of archival photos to supplement the reading.

Academia Runs the Quarter Mile
This book shows how wonderful things can happen when a professional historian writes about a popular culture topic. Instead of the usual breathless enthusiasm and blind boosterism, a reader gets analysis and perspective. It is the definitive history of the sport of drag racing.

The striking parallels between the growth of NHRA and NASCAR, including the personalities of their respective founders, are clearly laid out. The last chapter includes a concise history of the periodicals that developed to cover the sport.

The writing is not too technical for the average reader and contains delightful quirks like the characterizations of the decision makers in the sport as the "high sheriffs".

Great Book!
For the serious drag racing fan! This is a big book, with facts you will find nowhere else!

The Bible
This is the absolute bible for anyone wanted the real truth about drag racings past. There is tons of insight and some wonderful photo's in this, worth a look for any high performance fan. truly excellent

High Performance
The first scholary written and well researched history of the development of drag racing, the cars, drivers, the organizers and promoters, and equipment suppliers, that I have ever read.The history is also full of personal insights and anecdotes which make for interesting and engaging reading.There is enought technical information and discussion for the serious motor heads.For a reader that wants to know how we got to 325 MPH in 4.5 seconds, this is the book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

H-D Drag Racing
Harley-Davidson Drag Racing nicely covers the recent history of the All Harley Drag Racing Association, descriptions of the different classes and racer profiles. Excellent photography of a wide range of Harley drag bikes as well as photos of competitors, fans and racing action. Nitro burning Top Fuel Harleys to street legal ET bikes and everything in between. ... Read more

Product Description
A perfect drag racing pass is a thing of beauty – the engine roaring on all cylinders, the rear tires digging and churning, the front end dancing lightly on the racing surface – but things aren’t always perfect in the world of drag racing. Sometimes the ride turns out a little on the wild side, and when that happens, a vigilant photographer is always ready to capture the chaos. NHRA is proud to present this collection of photographs captured exclusively by the staff of National DRAGSTER over the decades. Despite the extreme nature of the images, no racers were seriously injured in any of the incidents pictured. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to NHRA in the Community charities. 70 pages, 70 historic photos in color and black-and-white. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not what it looks like
Very small book about 1/2 size of most books.Very few color pages.If had seen book before I bought it would not have got it! ... Read more