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Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR

Name: Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR
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Rating: 4.7 (391 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: Automotive - Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR

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Book Synopsis: The true story behind NASCAR’s hardscrabble, moonshine-fueled origins, “fascinating and fast-moving . . . even if you don’t know a master cylinder from a head gasket” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution). “[Neal] Thompson exhumes the sport’s Prohibition-era roots in this colorful, meticulously detailed history.”—Time Today’s NASCAR—equal parts Disney, Vegas, and Barnum & Bailey—is a multibillion-dollar conglomeration with 80 million fans, half of them women, that grows bigger and more mainstream by the day. Long before the sport’s rampant commercialism lurks a distant history of dark secrets that have been carefully hidden from view—until now. In the Depression-wracked South, with few options beyond the factory or farm, a Ford V-8 became the ticket to a better life. Bootlegging offered speed, adventure, and wads of cash. Driving with the Devil reveals how the skills needed to outrun federal agents with a load of corn liquor transferred perfectly to the red-dirt racetracks of Dixie. In this dynamic era (the 1930s and ’40s), three men with a passion for Ford V-8s—convicted felon Raymond Parks, foul-mouthed mechanic Red Vogt, and war veteran Red Byron, NASCAR’s first champ—emerged as the first stock car “team.” Theirs is the violent, poignant story of how moonshine and fast cars merged to create a sport for the South to call its own. In the tradition of Laura Hillenbrand’s Seabiscuit, this tale captures a bygone era of a beloved sport and the character of the country at a moment in time.

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Are you ready to discover the untold story of NASCAR's hardscrabble beginnings? Look no further than "Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR". This fascinating book by Neal Thompson takes you on a thrilling journey back to the Prohibition-era roots of the world's most beloved stock car racing sport. With its meticulously detailed history, this book offers a compelling glimpse into a time when moonshiners transformed their skills into high-speed race on the red-dirt racetracks of the South.

Today, NASCAR has grown into a multibillion-dollar empire, captivating 80 million fans worldwide. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a hidden history of dark secrets. "Driving with the Devil" unveils the true story of the Depression-era South, where a Ford V-8 became a symbol of hope and escape from a life of poverty. Bootlegging was not just about smuggling liquor; it was about speed, adventure, and the pursuit of a better life. The book paints a vivid picture of a time when ordinary men like Raymond Parks, Red Vogt, and Red Byron rose from humble origins to become the pioneers of stock car racing.

In the tradition of Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit", "Driving with the Devil" transports you to a bygone era, captivating you with the thrilling tales of moonshine-fueled races, daring escapes from federal agents, and the birth of a sport that would forever define the South. Whether you're a die-hard NASCAR fan or simply love a gripping story, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand the origins of America's greatest racing spectacle.

Don't miss out on this captivating journey into the heart of NASCAR's past. Order your copy of "Driving with the Devil: Southern Moonshine, Detroit Wheels, and the Birth of NASCAR" today and be transported to a time when moonshine and fast cars collided to create a sport like no other.

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