Customer Reviews

The Fast Lane : The History of NHRA Drag Racing

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Good photography. Actually, it is an interesting coffeetable book. But, if you are at all into drag racing, and have been for any legnth of time, it will seem to be very little more than a large, glossy ad for the NHRA Today. Lots of photos and bios on the current racing teams, especially those with the "big bucks". Very little on the actual history, more current pictures of the legends like Garlits and Prudhomme than there are "good old days" pictures. It is a nicely done picture book with some interesting background information, but I could not consider it a very complete "history".While the NHRA began on the west coast, there was still considerable drag racing on the east coast, which is not a part of this particular history. I was excited by the other reviews, which highly praised the book. Unfortunately, the book was a gift for my husband, who has been in and around racing for 40+ years, and he was polite, but disappointed with the content, in the context of an historical information book.

Do yourself a favor and pass this one by. It is by no means a history of drag racing. Rather, it's the NHRA practically breaking it's arm patting itself on the back. Racers who don't cowtow to the "Gods in Glendora" are largely ignored. Can you believe Garlits is hardly represented at all?! Many other gaffes abound. Not a winner.

As I sat back and casually thumbed through the pages of beautiful, awe-inspiring pages of color, the drama of drag racing unvolded before me. For the first time in many years I became emotional over a printed work. Fans of drag racing, young and old, will experience unparalleled pride when they see their sport portrayed with such fascinating attractiveness and quality. You can almost feel the 6,000 horsepower engines pounding down the race tracks. It's a very informative work of art. Every "car guy" should have it.

This book covers the world's fastest motorsport from its inception right up to the present day, with excellent photography, and is a must for any drag racing fan. But there is one man who isn't in this book and deserves to be above all other drivers. A pioneer, a lasting influence, an ingenius innovator, whose name has become synonymous with Top Fuel racing, and he is of course "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. He designed the rear-engined dragster which is the fundamental basis for every Top Fuel racer competing in the sport today, and he set the stage for the 4 second, 330 mph runs seen in the USA today. When the book is reprinted the NHRA must rectify their mistake by including Don.

This book is phenomenal and a must have for racers, fans and car enthusiasts. Wally Parks and the NHRA should be commended for this wonderful compilation of history and excitement all packed into the colorful pages of "The Fast Lane". When I first opened it up I got goose bumps and was suddenly transported to a place near the starting line. With each new page I could hear the raw horsepower of the engines rumbling the pavement, the smell of fuel filled my nose and the ground shook under my feet. The adrenaline pumping and the memories of my days of racing and watching the pros run overtook me.

Being a female that has had cars and racing in my blood since I was a child, I was so happy to get this book and learn all about the history and the people behind the sport from the beginning. So guys and gals alike will love this one. I highly recommend it.

This book brings you behind the scenes and workings of the fastest sport in the world. Read this book and you will find yourself sitting at the poll in a top feul drangster.

This book was great! It really gave an accurate history of the sport of drag racing. Not only did it cover all of the major technical innovations and dominant vehicles that have helped grow the sport over the years but it really focused on the people behind the machines as well. Most people know about NHRA from watching it on TV but nothing can take the place of being there to see (and feel) the cars as they blast down the strip. This book helps you understand this and that there is a lot more to it than just a lot of noise and exhaust flame. By laying out the progress in technology and the teamwork responsible for the dramatic reductions in ETs (and similar increases in top speed) this book helps the reader to become more involved in the competitive side of the sport. While the attention to safety is also noted often in the book it's best quality is the way it shows the human side of a very technical and sometimes dangerous sport.

I really liked this book. I thought it was complete and a must-read for any automotive enthusiast or racing fan!

Being a casual enthusiast or an active participant in this sport is fun, but knowing the background and history makes the sport even more enjoyable!

A must-read for the automotive enthusiast!

I have been attending the NHRA Drags in Pomona for many years. This book gives an interesting look at the beginnings of the sport. I learned alot. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of drag racing.