Mr. Wood has taken a question bounced from one “good ole’ boy” to another ever since the the silence grew deafening to those in the racing world, and given it 29 births, lives, and alas, histories, all wrapped up quite nicely in this book.

This is a detailed look inside of what started as the proverbial heart beating of NASCAR as we know it, as well as a first hand account of Perry Allen Wood growing up in the midst of all the greatness that racing and NASCAR had to offer such as these now sadly, silent speedways and the legends that made them famous and vice versa. Perry Wood was so obviously brought alive first hand by the thundering roar of the call “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines” and the smell of the gasoline and rubber, not to mention, the sound of metal against metal, guaranteed to bring any spectator to their feet.

Racing and what it meant and stood for is obviously a part of Perry Allen Wood and deeply ingrained to say the least. If the passion he has shown in this work, “Silent Speedways” is in any way, an insight to Mr. Wood, then it is without doubt from a readers stand point, that his heart lies with racing and related subjects, just as much or higly more so than those of us “square box worshiping, AC addictied, “baby, get me another beer” types. So then…good news for us ‘fans’,it looks as though those of us that once made the seemingly endless nomadic, pilgrimages to those 29 racetracks that are no more, we’ll just have to change our route to detour the nearest bookstore for the latest title from racings newest smoking weapon. AND NO LINE JUMPING, I’M FIRST!

Silent Speedways of the Carolinas: The Grand National Histories of 29 Former Tracks Overview

NASCAR held its first Strictly Stock race in Charlotte on June 19, 1949, and, in the following decades, dozens of large and small tracks throughout the Carolinas were home to a major NASCAR event. Called Grand National from 1950-1970, NASCAR’s top circuit became the Winston Cup in 1971, and most of the dirt and small tracks were subsequently gutted from the schedule. Although a handful of those speedways tenuously held on through exploding popularity, and an influx of big corporate dollars, the transition to metropolitan markets and super speedways was inevitable. Some of the original tracks, like the North Wilkesboro Motor Speedway, still stand testament to the sport’s not-too-distant past. Others, like the Charlotte Speedway, are long gone, leaving only memories and photographs. This is the story of every racetrack in North and South Carolina that held at least one big time race through 1971, but is no longer used for auto racing. Seven are one-race wonders, while others are as much racing legends as the sport’s past champions. Chapters cover each track’s big time history, from early background through its racing years to its current status. Included are the thrilling tales of the personalities and machines that shaped NASCAR’s early days. Statistics chart every track’s past winners, records, and wins by make. The 151 photographs give the reader a virtual tour of speedways that are often inaccessible or nonexistent.

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Customer Reviews

A Little Disappointing… – Greg M. Brown – USA
I have been looking for a book that would document the tracks in NC & SC that I grew up with in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s; this book seemed to be the one. I was very disappointed when I failed to see pictures of the speedways during their racing heydays. Not enough before and after pictures as well as very few action shots of racing at those tracks. I was also looking for at least a few lines of text concerning the great late model sportsman racing and local racing heroes that put the tracks on the map to begin with (prior to getting those NASCAR Grand National racing dates).
So, if you are looking for a book that has a collective text of tracks in the Carolinas, then this is a book for you…but don’t be looking for any photographs depicting the rich racing history of these tracks because they are simply not in there.

Vanishing Southern Pleasures – C. S. Williams – S.C.
Anyone interested in racing should purchase this book. Good look at tracks in the south and the part they played in forming todays sport.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 29, 2010 07:14:08

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