Prototypes: The History of the IMSA GTP Series

by J.A. Martin, Ken Wells, Derek Bell (Foreword)

Unmatched performance and a fantastic variety of cars and competitors made IMSA's Grand Touring Prototypes the most exciting sports-car racing series ever. Innovative technology and cutting-edge aerodynamics made GTP cars the fastest, most powerful road-course racers from 1981 to 1993.But GTP wasn't just about machinery. The cars were a reflection of the people who designed and raced them, who were every bit as diverse and intriguing as their vehicles. The series attracted competitors from every corner of the racing world. Privateers -- wealthy gentleman racers who made fortunes in careers that included radio broadcasting, trash collection, and even drug smuggling -- competed against professional drivers who had won Le Mans and other major races.Prototypes is the first complete history of this remarkable series. Through candid interviews with team principals, drivers, and race organizers, this team-by-team account unflinchingly tells the stories of the men and women who raced these cars: their successes, their failures and the reasons why. Illustrated with behind-the-scenes team photos and supported by full race results, Prototypes is an intimate look at the last Golden Age of sports-car racing.

511 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, even though most of the technical material is over my head. Did you know that the Chevrolet Intrepid GTP produced about 10,000 lbs of downforce? They literally had to have special tires because of the effect that the downforce was having on the sidewalls.

Anyway, the best part about this book is that due to its limited print, its now worth like $600 more than I paid for it.