I recommend this great book if you are an Indy racing enthusiast. The more I get into it the more interesting it becomes. I have seen and read many books on the history of Indianapolis racing cars. While I first thought from the title and descriptions that it was about the 60’s, on cracking it open it became apparant that it reviews many decades of innovation at Indy. What is also unique is that, although other books have covered these Indy eras, this one bring new pictures, annecdotes and some spin that brings new perspective to a subject that has been covered before in other titles. What is also apparant is that there probably exists even more material for even more indepth review of any of the eras presented; in particular not only the famous vehicle and engine designs that were successful, but also the more novel ones founded on apparantly sound principles(at least to their designers and supporters) that were never able to realise their supposed potential.

What it really brings to life however is a different time when “the cars were the stars”, when innovation and trying different solutions was part of the competition. It was a much different time than the current era of limited technology in chassis and secret leased engine designs.

Lets hope that perhaps Indy might exercise some vision as it moves into its next engine formula to rekindle automotive creativity in racing that can be shared and appreciated by racing enthusiasts. How about Hybrid methanol/electric powered racing cars?

INDY’s Wildest Decade Overview

Photographic and text history of the technological development of the Indy racing car, innovation, and racing experimentation. A lengthy introduction highlights advances during the early years to lay the foundation for the revolutionary changes in Indy car design that occurred during the 1960s. Each year of the decade is covered in detail to establish evolutionary changes from the classic Indy roadster to the modern engine-behind-the-driver layout, influence of Grand Prix designs that began with the Cooper-Climax of 1961, then Ford’s stock block engine program with Lotus, then turbine cars, turbo-Offy powered cars, and associated technologies such as engines, tires, and aerodynamics.

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Customer Reviews

The Last Years of Indy Innovation – Randall Tripp –
Excellent coverage of the waning yet most prolific years of creativity at the 500. The apparent passing of the indomitable Offy to Ford and the 4-banger’s turbo reincarnation. The transition from and the last hurrah of the roadsters as they succumb to the rear engine revolution ushered in by the Cooper-Brabham & Lotus. Early NASCAR names and dragracers try their hand with innovation. Granatelli brings the roar of the Novi the futuristic whine of the underhandedly outlawed turbine and finally get his Indy win with a Ford to close in 1969. Well covered in photos and detailed text.

Nice photos, but not the most accurate text – rjbindy –
Very nice photos — particularly the abundance of color. Given the title, though, its surprising that at least a third of the book deals with Indy’s early days. Interesting historical context, but not totally on point.

There are a number of minor inaccuracies distributed throughout the book, particularly regarding misspelled names. Also, much of the core 1960’s narrative draws heavily on Leo Levine’s Ford — The Dust and The Glory. At times it reads almost like a book report. More seriously, there is at least one instance that borders on plagiarism: in describing Jim Clark’s initial impressions of the Indianapolis track, the author says that Clark found it a bit dull. From Clark’s autobiography “Jim Clark at the Wheel” Clark states (referring to the same) that “overall I found it a bit dull.”

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