RacingNation.com

Book Review: Smoke, Sand & Rubber

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

Share Button