Lone Star J.R.: The Autobiography of Racing Legend Johnny Rutherford (Hardcover)

by Johnny Rutherford (Author), David Craft (Author), Mari Hulman George (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Rutherford was a very successful Indy style race car driver during the 1970s and 1980s. Among his many triumphs were three wins in the Indianapolis 500, historically the most prestigious race in America. This is his engaging account of the events and highlights of his life and career; more than that, though, it also describes what motivated him as a driver and as a person, and it truly conveys the love that he had for his decades of racing. Despite this being a compilation of reminiscences, there is continuity throughout, and the book reads very well, highlighted by descriptive passages that seem to capture the feelings, smells, and adrenaline rushes of driving a race car. Rutherford may not be well known to many current racing fans, but because of his prominence in the sport, this would make a good addition to libraries with racing history collections, especially those in Rutherford!s adopted state of Texas."David Van de Streek, Pennsylvania State Univ. Lib.,York
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
- Foreword by A.J. Foyt, Indy 500 winner and IRL team owner - Preface by Mari Hulman George, Chair person, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

With his signature Texas flag painted on his helmet, Johnny "J.R." Rutherford captured the hearts of racing fans all over the world during his stellar three-decade career. A versatile driver, he is world renowned for his record-breaking successes in the ultra-competitive world of Indy and Sprint cars.

In Lone Star J.R., Johnny himself takes us on an exciting drive through his life and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the racing world. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1938, John Sherman Rutherford III did his duty in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years before beginning his legendary racing career in Texas. After overcoming a serious accident in 1966, in which he suffered two broken arms, he began to achieve his greatest success. J.R. relives his historic Indianapolis 500 wins (in 1974, 1976, and 1980) and explains the allure and excitement of racing in this personal look back at his storied racing career.

A true sportsman, always generous with his time, this racing legend has become one of the greatest ambassadors the sport has ever known. In Lone Star J.R., the man himself explains how and why he has come to be one of the sport's most celebrated legends.

Book size is 6" x 9", with 60 B&W photographs throughout book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Triumph Books (IL); 1st edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572433531
• ISBN-13: 978-1572433533
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,063,275 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lone Star J.R., August 18, 2000

By	Michael Anderson (Lighthouse Point, FL United States) - See all my reviews

If you are a fan of Johnny Rutherford and racing in general, this is the book for you. The book gives insight from inside the racing world. It is a highly detailed account of Johnny's personal life and his racing career. I found his personal struggle to become a big time driver very interesting, as he started at a relatively late age for his era. It was also interesting to me to read his explanation of the many changes in racing and what was expected of a driver from his first race until his retirement. The candid comments and numerous photographs, make you fell like you've had a personal converstaion with J.R. himself. I believe almost anyone will enjoy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Winner!, June 11, 2002

By A Customer

Overall, I liked this book. The story of JR's early racing days and his travels with Jim McElreath as they followed the IMCA circuit was good reading. In addition, the details of his 1966 Eldora crash and recovery as well as his experience driving the Smokey Yunick NASCAR Chevy in 1963 was very interesting. I would have liked more technical detail on what happened to his race cars to cause poor finishes at Indy in 1973, 1982, etc.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lone Star J.R., August 18, 2000

By A Customer

If you are a fan of Johnny Rutherford and racing in general, this is the book for you. The book gives insight from inside the racing world. It is a highly detailed account of Johnny's personal life and his racing career. I found his personal struggle to become a big time driver very interesting, as he started at a relatively late age for his era. It was also interesting for me to read his explanation of the many changes in racing and what was expected of a driver from his first race until his retirement. The candid comments and numerous photographs, make the reader fell like he has had a personal converstaion with J.R. himself. I believe almost anyone will enjoy this book.