Drag Racing: The World's Fastest Sport Stars and Cars of the Quarter Mile

Readers can almost smell the rubber burning in this glossy overview of drag racing.... Not an encyclopedia--it doesn't list titles or records or have an A-Z format--Miller's work provides a chapter-by-chapter introduction to the rules of the sport, the classes, and the drivers, both legendary and contemporary. From an explanation of the iconic "Christmas tree" lights that start a race to a diagram that plots the quarter-mile of a contest, the text is enthusiastic but not fawning. Over 160 photos, mostly color but some vintage black and white, make up half the book. The confusing array of classes--fuel, alcohol, pro modified, pro stock, and sportstman--are explained. Women are especially well represented, in both a separate chapter and in chapters on legends and top drivers.... Essential for drag racing fans and libraries in communities where drag strips draw crowds.--Susan Belsky, Oshkosh Public Library, WI"Library Journal" (02/15/2010)