Auto Racing in the Shadow of the Great War: Streamlined Specials and a New Generation of Drivers on American Speedways, 1915-1922

by Robert Dick

Overview

From 1915 through the early 1920s, American auto racing experienced rapid and exciting change. Competition by European vehicles forced American car manufacturers to incorporate new features, resulting in legendary engineering triumphs (and, essentially, works of art). Some of the greatest drivers in racing history were active during this time--Ralph DePalma, Dario Resta, Eddie Rickenbacker, the Chevrolet brothers, Jimmy Murphy.

Presenting dozens of races in detail and a wealth of engineering specs, this history recalls the era's cigar-shaped speedway specials and monumental board tracks, the heavy-footed drivers, fearless mechanics, gifted engineers and enthusiastic backers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476631554
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	02/21/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	446
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Robert Dick is a historian in mechanical engineering and automotive matters. He lives in Germany.
Robert Dick is a historian in mechanical engineering and automotive matters. He lives in Germany.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction
I: Spring 1915—Exposition Races
II: May 1915—Fifth Indianapolis 500
III: Summer 1915—Chicago’s Maywood Speedway
IV: Fall 1915—Phenomenal Stutz
V: Spring 1916—Interspeedway Racing
VI: May and June 1916—Indianapolis and Chicago 300
VII: Summer 1916—Mid-Continent Races
VIII: Fall 1916—A.A.A. Championship
IX: Spring 1917—War Impact
X: Summer 1917—Gloomy Atmosphere
XI: 1918—Handicap Season
XII: Spring 1919—Liberty Sweepstakes
XIII: Fall 1919—300-inch Finish
XIV: 1920—183-inch Debut
XV: 1921—Straight-Eight Supremacy
XVI: 1922—183-inch Finale
Appendix A. Biographical Data
Appendix B. Technical Data—Speedway Specials 1915–1922
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

[Dick] masterfully outlines the circumstances that made America a hotbed of auto racing...complete with race and car stats and countless images”—Hemmings Motor News

From the Publisher