New Book about Louise Smith

Pioneer racer Louise Smith, the first woman to be inducted into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame in Talledega, is the subject of a new children's book. Fearless: The Story of Racing Legend Louise Smith is by Barb Rosenstock and features wonderful illustrations by Scott Dawson. The book, published by Dutton, is available for $16.99.

Racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway

Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway will host a short track racing weekend October 29-31, 2010. Among the featured races will be the Allison Legacy Series, Super Trucks, Late Models, and more. For more information go to http://www.savethespeedway.net/events.

Historian Daniel Pierce Speaks at Appalachian

Dr. Daniel S. Pierce, author of Real NASCAR: White Lightning, Red Clay, and Big Bill France (UNC Press, 2010), spoke at Appalachian State University on Thursday, October 7. He described his research documenting the real story of the early days of stock car racing and the formation of NASCAR. He found that moonshining played a major role: many of the most talented early drivers were bootleggers, and money made from moonshining was used to build several early racetracks, including North Wilkesboro Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. Bill France Sr. was a race driver and promoter who used a combination of charm and a strong personality to corral these free spirits into organized racing that was birthed as NASCAR in 1947. Following his talk, Pierce answered questions from the audience and signed copies of his book. Pierce, an environmental and southern historian, is chair of the History Department at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Visit his blog at realnascar..com