Anyone remember a series of books from the late 50's or early 60's about a British race driver and a Scottish mechanic? Seems like I remember them doing Le Mans, Indianapolis, Boneville, dirt tracks, etc. The books were written for teenagers and really got me started in the car thing. Any info on titles and/or author greatly appreciated - trying to relive my youth!
Sorry - meant "Bonneville"!
I don't remember that series, but it does sound a little like the "Grand Prix" series I read as a teen and continue to re-read today. It follows an aspiring English Formula 1 driver and his mechanic/financer on his dream to become an F1 champion. It's set in the late 60's early 70's, written by Jeffrey Ashford, there are 4 books in the series, Grand Prix Monaco, GP Germany, GP England, and finishes with GP USA. I got the first book in a library sale, and the rest I got online at http://www.alibris.com/. There's supposed to be another book in the series where he goes to LeMans but I haven't been able to get a copy of that book yet. They are all good reads and really give you that sensation of speed while sitting still.
A couple other older books on my car shelf are "Road Race" by Phil Harkins, it's more of the 50's hot rod delinquent being shown the light by on older dad figure. Cool grassrootsy aspects to it, plenty of adolescent nonsense, but not too preachy. The other one is The Day of the Drag Race, also by Phil Harkins, this ones kinda funny with the not so subtle message of "it's hip to be a square" attitude, pretty preachy, but has some neat car stuff none the less.
If you find the names of these books please share so I can add to my library. I've read my small car library to death and need some more materials.
Thanks for the info. I think I have the author's name: William Campbell Gault. I have not gotten any of the books as of yet, so I cannot confirm that this is the series I remember, but the titles sound about right: "Thunder Road", "Road Race Rookie", "Dirt Track Summer", "Drag Strip", "Speedway Challenge", "Sunday's Dust", "Gasoline Cowboy". I also found a reference to a book called "Black Tiger at Indianapolis" by Patrick O'Connor. I also remember reading something I think called "The Red Car" about a kid rebuilding an MG TC or TD - no clue on author. Like you, I also read numerous books about teenage hotrod bad boys turning good and convincing everyone to race at sanctioned strips instead of on the street! I will check out all the titles you mentioned. If you find more, let me know. I will do same. Thanks!
brucecaldwell wrote: Thanks for the info. I think I have the author's name: William Campbell Gault. I have not gotten any of the books as of yet, so I cannot confirm that this is the series I remember, but the titles sound about right: "Thunder Road", "Road Race Rookie", "Dirt Track Summer", "Drag Strip", "Speedway Challenge", "Sunday's Dust", "Gasoline Cowboy". I also found a reference to a book called "Black Tiger at Indianapolis" by Patrick O'Connor. I also remember reading something I think called "The Red Car" about a kid rebuilding an MG TC or TD - no clue on author. Like you, I also read numerous books about teenage hotrod bad boys turning good and convincing everyone to race at sanctioned strips instead of on the street! I will check out all the titles you mentioned. If you find more, let me know. I will do same. Thanks!
I remember reading that "Black Tiger at Indy" it was in my dads collection of books from his Jr. High days. It's been forever since I read it, but I liked it at the time, would be good to reread it. Yeah definitely let me know what you find out about those other books! 
"The Red Car," is a classic, written by Don Stanford. It created many a young sports car nut. It was a TC. Let me know if you want to borrow my copy.
Thanks very much - will check for it.
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