The Last Lap - by Peter Golenbock (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Stock car racing is not only the most popular sport in the country, but it's also among the most dangerous, as well. Traveling at speeds of over 200 miles per hour, drivers risk their lives every time they take the wheel. To be competitive, drivers must feel invincible. The best of them did, and lived life-on the racetrack--to the fullest. Their zest for life and for racing is celebrated in this powerful book.
In The Last Lap, updated edition, best-selling author Peter Golenbock talks to racers past and present, crewmembers, and families of the legendary drivers who have passed on give us behind-the-scenes stories of NASCAR's unique heroes. Among those sharing their stories are racing legends David Pearson, Buddy Baker, Tim Flock, Marvin Panch, the families of the late Curtis Turner, the Myers brothers, Tiny Lund, Bobby Isaac, Alan Kulwicki, and Davey and Clifford Allison.

From the Back Cover

"The sport of stock car racing continues to grow exponentially. Bigger tracks, with larger purses, have been added to the schedule. Television coverage is unparalleled. When Dale Earnhardt died on the final lap of the Daytona 500 in February of 2001, more people were watching that race than ever before. His untimely death, viewed in real time by millions, marked an end to something special, a period in NASCAR history the likes of which we may never see again." --From the Introduction Alan Kulwicki Bill France, Sr. Curtis Turner Joe Weatherly Exclusive insights into the man known as "The Intimidator" "At any time during any race he was in, there was only one question everyone asked: 'Where's Earnhardt?' He was the standard by which all other drivers were measured." --From the Introduction "My mind will drift to Dale Earnhardt. I guess I always feel these guys are invincible. I know they're not. You just miss having him around. There's a void there. It's not just his competitiveness or his ability--it's everything, just his being there." --Eli Gold, TV Commentator for NASCAR Visit us at www.hungryminds.com

About the Author

PETER GOLENBOCK is the bestselling author of American Zoom; Dynasty: The New York Yankees, 1949-1964; and many other popular sports books, including Balls, Bums, Personal Fouls, Fenway, Wrigleyville, and Cowboys Have Always Been My Heroes. He is co-editor of The Stock Car Encyclopedia.