Mid-Atlantic American Sports Car Races, 1953-1962
By Terry O’Neil
This latest volume from author O’Neil turns his inquisitive eye toward America’s seminal Mid-Atlantic states during the decade between 1953 and 1962. It follows a familiar path taken by his previous books chronicling sportscar racing in the American Northeast and at the Bahamas Speed Weeks, matching their high level of research and, consequently, quality.
The rich history presented here takes place at 19 venues in six states, on layouts of varying design encompassing state fairgrounds, temporary airfield circuits, tiny NASCAR ovals and purpose-built natural terrain road courses like Virginia International Raceway and Marlboro in Maryland.
It was a far less complicated time than now, with events populated by enthusiasts of both genders, people who may have been fierce rivals on the track but firm friends in the paddock. They competed under sanctions obtained from a variety of organizations, including the SCCA, USAC, the MG Car Club and even NASCAR. The accounts from these races consume nearly 400 pages, accompanied and extended by superb period photography that lets us see just how different almost everything was six decades ago.
This large-format, slip-covered book is available for US$155/£95 from enthusiast bookstores or direct from publisher Dalton Watson Fine Books at www.daltonwatson.com
