Smoke, Sand, Rubber: A Former Racer's Tale of Colorful Drivers, Unique Cars, and Forgotten Speedways

In this book lies a glimpse into the daring West Coast midget racers who led an early era in auto racing. Readers will learn how hazardous midget racing was in the beginning and how some were attracted to this risky business. Mel Anthony tells what it was like to start his first race in 1946. A select few accomplished drivers would go on to Indy: George Amick, Les Anderson, Bob Christie, Len Sutton, Shorty Templeman, Jack Turner, while the rest did not. In addition to the Indy drivers, cars driven by Chick Barbo, Bob Gregg, Allen Heath, Gordy Livingston, The Muir brothers, Don Olds, Paul Pold, Louie Sherman, Ernie Spalding, Cliff Spalding, and others have been restored, and some appear in vintage events today.

Mel Anthony discloses first-hand Northwest auto racing history, from the 1930's through the 1950's. He raced for ten years with some of the best drivers to compete in the Northwest and beyond.