New Gordon Kirby Book

[indy]

Every once in a while I like to read up on the latest Gordon Kirby's blogs. Found out he's got a book coming out in time for the 100th Indy 500 this year. I read the chapter linked to in the blog and it looks like I need to put this on my birthday wish list. Here's the blog posting then the link to the blog which has the link to the chapter preview.

In this space this week I've posted Chapter 4 of my upcoming book 'Penske's Maestro, Karl Kainhofer and the History of Penske Racing'. Chapter 4 is called 'Penske Racing Arrives' covering the creation of Penske Racing in the spring of 1966 and the work put in by Mark Donohue and Kainhofer to prepare for the new team's first race.

This will be the shortest chapter in a handsome 350 page book with an equal number of photographs covering Kainhofer's life and career culminating in 32 years with Penske Racing, first as the team's chief mechanic, then chief engine builder and general manager through his retirement in 1997.

'Penske's Maestro' will be published in May by Racemaker Press in Boston. We will launch the book at this year's 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

gordonkirby.com/categories/columns/theway/2016/the_way_it_is_no520.html

Jordan

[harveythedog2]

Great stuff Jordan. Thanks a lot for sharing. By what I read in that chapter alone, I agree. It looks like a must have.

Stu

[jamesharvey]

I have several of his books. They are absolutely terrific and invaluable when doing research for a model. The pictures are really helpful and his writing is first rate. I look forward to getting this one. Thanks for sharing this so we all can start saving. Does this go ahead or behind the Wasp on my list of purchases?
Jim

[indy]

Looks like Kirby is releasing two books at the 500. The other will be Tony Bettenhausen and Sons, see more and get a chapter preview here:

gordonkirby.com/categories/columns/theway/2016/the_way_it_is_no515.html

Jordan

[Deleted]

Thanks for the information. Two good looking books whose subject matter are near and dear to me. Thanks.

[Deleted]

Any book about a mechanic is welcomed IMO. Kainhofer had a brilliant career. Glad to see some of these guys get some recognition. Karl had a hand in many, many success.

The book on the Bettenhausen's. It's a shame that Gary is gone. I really hope it's not hero worship because they (The Bettenhausen family) don't need it. The records stand the test of time. Tony is mostly forgotten due to the fact He never won Indy. Make no mistake, he is a top level driver of all time. Gary was as hard scrabble as they come. He was also one of America's best drivers in his time. His exploits in the three major USAC divisions are not held as high in the accomplishment department by many scribes. Not to mention his Indy Car and NASCAR careers. Gary raced A LOT. He was at the front of the grid most of the time. Tony Jr. was just one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. He paid his bills as a car owner as well, something lost upon many race teams. He had assembled a very talented and loyal group of people. I have friends who worked for Him, and they would have jumped in front of a bus for the guy. I was around him some, and he was the real deal. He appreciated the fans. To this day a group gets together every year and celebrates his birthday, organized by Robin Miller. They get a good turn out as well. It is to me very telling that after all this time men take time out of their lives to get together. That's the kind of guy Tony Jr. was.

Bring them on. They will no doubt be better than the book published last year on guys who finished second......

[Deleted]

A buddy from work and I had one of those "racing" weekends many many years ago. We drove from Toronto, Ontario, Canada to London, Ontario on Friday night to see the American Speed Association Late models run. Left there and drove all night to Indianapolis to see the Silver Crown cars at IRP on Saturday night. It really was to see the ""Larry and Gary show". We were not disappointed. Next day drove to Winchester for an "old timers" meet along with open wheel and late model cars. Headed to Millstream (I think) for the sprinters, that show was rained out. Headed for Toledo, Ohio for the Sunday night late models and then a long drive home to Toronto.

I have many pictures of the Winchester "Old Timers" meet that I know would be of interest to you folks. Just have to figure out how to get them into my imgur account to share them.

These two books are of particular interest to me as a long time Mark Donohue and Gary Bettenhausen fan. I don't buy a lot of books anymore but these two will be the exception.