Growing Up NASCAR

by Peter Golenbock, Peter Golenbock

In 1949, when Humpy Wheeler was 11, he attended the very first NASCAR race. For the next ten years, he spent as much time in the pits as he could, and came to know many of the sport’s pioneers. Eventually, Wheeler began promoting races at Carolina tracks such as Concord Speedway, Robinwood Speedway, and Starlight Speedway. Racing was so rough back then he kept a gun by his side when he paid the purse, and often used his fists to keep order. By the time Wheeler retired in 2008, he had helped NASCAR becomethe six-billion-dollar-a-year industry it is today. Filled with photographs from Wheeler's personal archives, Growing up NASCAR presents the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at NASCAR from the consumate insider.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Golenbock grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and in 1963 graduated St. Luke's School in New Canaan, Connecticut. His heroes were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford. One day in the local library he discovered the book, The New York Yankees: An Informal History by Frank Graham ( G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1943) and it made a strong impression on him.''

Golenbock graduated from Dartmouth College in 1967 and the New York University School of Law in 1970.

He was a radio sports talk show host in 1980 on station WOR in New York City. He was the color broadcaster for the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the Senior Professional Baseball League in 1989-90 and has been a frequent guest on many of the top television and radio talk shows including "Biography on A&E," the "Fifty Greatest Athletes and the Dynasties on ESPN," "Good Morning America," "Larry King Live," "ESPN Classic," and the YES network.

Golenbock lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his two basset hounds, Doris and Fred.

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate the cover, and some of the stories are a bit one sided, but for the early history of motorsports in general and NASCAR in particular, it is a must have. Great stories about drivers both current and legendary.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a NASCAR fan, but I loved this book. I loved the stories, learning about the drivers and what it was like in the day so to speak. I was fascinated by how Humpy used his PR skills to get Elizabeth Taylor to come to a race. I absolutely loved how he pulled off some stunts. It was great fun to read and a very revealing picture of the various personalities.

[Carol Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living in the heart of this, I had to read it. Interesting history and stories. But, you have to know the sport and the area to get it.

[Cherie Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story written by one the craziest NASCAR promoters ever, Humpy Wheeler. The crazy antics he pulled to bring fans to the track. Gave an insight to the inside of NASCAR