American Auto Racing; Author: Martin, James A.; Joint Author: Saal, Thomas F.; Paperback

Author: Martin, James A.; Joint Author: Saal, Thomas F.
Paperback; 50 Photographs, Bibliography, Index
208 pages
Published: November 2001
McFarland & Company, Inc.
ISBN: 0786412356

As soon as there were automobiles, there was racing. The first recorded race, an over road event from Paris to Rouen, France, was organized by a French newspaper in 1894. Seeing an opportunity, Hermann H. Kohlsaat -- publisher of the Chicago Times-Herald -- sponsored the Race of the Century, a 54-mile race from Chicago's Jackson Park to Evanston, Illinois, and back. Frank Duryea won in 10 hours and 23 minutes, of which 7 hours and 53 minutes were actually spent on the road.Race cars and competition have progressed continuously since that time, and today's 200 mph races bear little resemblance to that event. This work traces American auto racing through the 20th century, covering its significant milestones, developments and people. Through interviews with participants and trThis work traces American auto racing through the 20th century, covering its significant milestones, developments and personalities. Through interviews with participants and track records, this text shows where, when and how racing has changed.