The Great American Gamble: How the 1979 Daytona 500 Gave Birth to a NASCAR Nation

by Joe Menzer

Book Overview

One of NASCAR's greatest stories is brought to life in this meticulous, highly entertaining replay of the day that changed everything for the sport.
-Lars Anderson, Sports Illustrated

""Joe Menzer has done an excellent job in telling the story of one ofNASCAR's most important races, a tale that includes the vibrant storiesof the cast of characters who participated.""
--Mike Hembree, NASCAR Scene

""A magnificent book, one that should...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470228695
• ISBN13: 9780470228692
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Quick Read Well Done

While NASCAR considers 1972 the start of its "modern era" an argument can be made that the 1979 Daytona 500 really does begin the modern era. Why ? Television.Pure and simple.NASCAR finally convinced a network that having green flag to checkered flag live coverage was the way to go.With the official NASCAR logo on the cover you know going in there will be nary a word of criticism or controversy.Not a lot of "heavy lifting" here,I knocked this out in a plane ride from Boston to Billings Montana.Joe Menzer does a nice job interviewing the key people.Regrettably,"Big Bill" and "Little Bill" France are both deceased and were unable to talk about the dealings that made all this happen. The interviews with Richard and Kyle Petty were especially good.The Allisons,Buddy Baker (1980 winner and my all-time favorite driver),Cale Yarbrough,AJ Foyt and Darell Waltrip also shared their stories.Reading about Dale and Benny Parsons was bittersweet.There is one very curious error.The author states that Geoff Bodine is from Bellingham Massachusetts. Huh ? The Bodines are from Chemung New York. Overall this is a good read that even a casual NASCAR fan will enjoy.

A good and important read!!

When I first heard about this book I wondered why we needed another book about Daytona. But since I have them all I went ahead and bought it the first week it was available. I am so glad I did! Being able to see the 1979 Daytona 500 from so many points of view demonstrates for the first time on the printed page all of the reasons why this race was so important in NASCAR's and racing's history. The story-telling style makes it a pleasant and easy read. Every racing fan should make this book required reading.