Book Review: Smoke, Sand & Rubber
- Updated: March 17, 2008
Racer’s Tale of Colorful Drivers, Unique Cars, and Forgotten Speedways
The Mel Anthony authored book, ?Smoke, Sand & Rubber? is an interesting book that uncovers the rise of midget car racing in the Pacific Northwest after World War II. Anthony gives the reader a first-hand account of the dangers, hazards and the lure of that incredible time when nary a roll bar hoop and a Cromwell helmet was the only thing that separated him from being a footnote in auto racing. Although a perilous time in auto racing, Mel also takes us on a fun filled journey that he participated in as a driver and crewman in that remarkable era. Anthony shares with us many photos and anecdotes and takes us with him on his first race as a driver in 1946 and into the fabulous 1950?s with some of the best drivers to compete in the competitive Northwest. Mel shares his view on many of the drivers who made it big by going to the Indy 500 such as, Les Anderson, ?Caveman Bob? Christie, Shorty Templeman, Jack Turner and Len Sutton. Mel also introduces us to several colorful drivers some of us may not be familiar with such as Chick Barbo, Don Olds, Cliff Spaulding, the Muir brothers and many others.
?Smoke, Sand & Rubber? is a highly recommended book that is entertaining, full of many never published photos and will provide the reader with many interesting tidbits that he or she might not had been familiar with before they picked up the book.
So take a ride in a Kurtis, Solar or Hillesgas midget, enjoy the ride and get ready to smell the methanol.
ISBN: 0-9787721-0-5
Library of Congress # 2006906104
287 Pages
7? x 10? Soft Cover
The cost is $29.95 each plus $4.00 shipping and handling for the first book.
Shipping and handling for additional books is $1.50 each. If customer?s address is Washington State, add 8.8% state sales tax.
Please make check payable to:
Sylvester Publishing #133
18405 Aurora Ave. N. Suite H
Shoreline, WA 98133
Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.