Can-Am 50th Anniversary
By George Levy and Pete Biro
Can it really be 50 years since the Canadian-American Challenge Cup series burst onto the North American motorsport landscape? Apparently so, as this book so eloquently reminds us. It is subtitled: “Flat out with America’s Greatest Race Series,” which is sufficient reason for us to pay attention.
Overflowing with insight from a multitude of participants, drivers, team owners, crewmen, and so forth, this thoroughly researched offering provides intimate background details, many never before revealed publicly. And, without demeaning Levy’s splendid words, some folks just may buy this book for Biro’s photos alone—and they would be getting a bargain.
Other Can-Am books have told the dynamic story of this landmark series before, running through the races chronologically with what amounted to real-time reportage, but while this book does follow the original timeline, and address the rudiments, the stories come from deep behind the scenes. Most of them are fascinating. Throughout, Levy also does an excellent job of placing the series into proper chronological context with both the happenings in the racing industry and the wider world around.
A must for anyone with any level of interest in the Can-Am, this book is available for US$60 at enthusiast bookstores or direct from publisher Motorbooks at www.QuartoKnows.com