Tom McAuliffe
It was 120 degrees in the pits and 120mph on the track! This is the story of the gutsy drivers and their speed machines during the golden Age of Stock car racing on everything from dirt tracks to concrete ovals across the Southland of America. In the sweltering summer sun they fought for money reputation and glory of having ’bragging rights’. And the only thing that had more wear and tear on it than the cars were the drivers. Some say that a driver would actually lose several pounds during 500 lap race. And while these might look like the average automobile inside these were cars on steroids able too reach speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. The roar of engines filled the crisp morning air, a symphony of power and ambition as drivers in their sleek, brightly colored machines prepared for the race ahead. It was the 1960s, a golden era of auto racing where the spirit of competition mingled with the scent of burning rubber and high-octane fuel. Men, their faces set with steely determination and sweat, donned their helmets, ready to dance with death on the asphalt. The track, a serpent of pavement winding through verdant countryside, lay ahead like a gauntlet thrown down by the gods of speed. As the flag dropped, tires screeched and hearts pounded, the cars surged forward, leaving behind a blur of metal and dreams in their wake. From the smell of peanuts, beer and cotton candy to gasoline, buying rubber and human sweat It was a special time and place when the new sport of Stock car racing came into being. This is their story of competition, camaraderie and culture.
