The Wildest Ride: A History of NASCAR (or How a Bunch of Good Ol' Boys Built a Billion-Dollar Industry out of Wrecking Cars) (Touchstone Books (Paperback))

In The Wildest Ride Joe Menzer gives us a timely comprehensive look at the dramatic rollicking history of stock-car racing in America exploring both its inauspicious bootlegging beginnings and the billion-dollar industry that it has become. Menzer straps the reader into the drivers seat for a run through NASCARs history revealing the sports remarkable rise from rogue outfit to corporate darling. Menzer also profiles the many superstar drivers who have dominated the sport men as unpredictable as they are fearless including The Intimidator Dale Earnhardt whose ferocious driving made him NASCARs signature personality -- and whose tragic death at the 2001 Daytona 500 was mourned by millions. Menzer expertly maneuvers through the tight corners and wide-open straightaways of NASCARs history examining the circuits attempt to distance itself from its redneck racin past without compromising its country roots. Simultaneously rowdy and insightful The Wildest Ride is a thorough and unfailingly honest account of NASCARs amazing rise to prominence and a sweeping account of a uniquely American phenomenon.