[mockingbird812]

Got my copy last week and have been pouring thru it whenever I get a chance. Appears to be very well researched with lots of behind-the-scenes stories of the racers and their relationships (or lack of) with the factory. Lot's of new photos I haven't seen before. Charles Morris does a nice job of describing the whole Factory Lightweight movement and gives a terrific sense of the passion & energy from that time. Am only 1/4 the way thru and i feel information overload. So many times with some books you get lots of cool pix with superficial writing to support it. Mr. Morris does a nice job on the technical side too. His explanation of the factory set ups and the "tweaks" performed by the talented and innovative race teams is well done. We all know that there were shananigans going on back then, but the author provides one good story after another that really gets your attention and gives you a good feel for "the day". So far my only criticism is I wish it were a hard bound book - it is that good. Good stuff on the Z-11 program (what a beast). Only a short ways thru this section and can't wait for the next page. Author's description of "Southern-Style Match Racing" is a hoot particularly wrt the Z-11 program. "A southern-style match race was like a knife fight in a phone booth." Any of you guys hear of Jack Cooley and his Black Trash III Z-11? The way he snuck exotic fuels into that car was over the top. But, the kicker is the source of this little-known "option".

Any way, my reveiw: Good pictures, good history, good technical, good behind the scenes stories, good entertainment.

If this book doesn't make you wanna do this I don't know what will!