Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway
Author: Randall Cannon
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 430
Release: 2018-09-24
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1476673896

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Professional motorsports came to Las Vegas in the mid-1950s at a bankrupt horse track swarmed by gamblers--and soon became enmeshed with the government and organized crime. By 1965, the Vegas racing game moved from makeshift facilities to Stardust International Raceway, constructed with real grandstands, sanitary facilities and air-conditioned timing towers. Stardust would host the biggest racing names of the era--Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, John Surtees, Mark Donohue, Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney and Don Garlits among them. Established by a notorious racketeer, the track stood at the confluence of shadowy elements--wiretaps, casino skimming, Howard Hughes, and the beginnings of Watergate. The author traces the Stardust's colorful history through the auto racing monthlies, national newspapers, extensive interviews and the files of the FBI.

Stardust International Raceway

Stardust International Raceway
Author: Randall Cannon
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 430
Release: 2018-10-02
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 147663291X

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Professional motorsports came to Las Vegas in the mid-1950s at a bankrupt horse track swarmed by gamblers--and soon became enmeshed with the government and organized crime. By 1965, the Vegas racing game moved from makeshift facilities to Stardust International Raceway, constructed with real grandstands, sanitary facilities and air-conditioned timing towers. Stardust would host the biggest racing names of the era--Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, John Surtees, Mark Donohue, Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney and Don Garlits among them. Established by a notorious racketeer, the track stood at the confluence of shadowy elements--wiretaps, casino skimming, Howard Hughes, and the beginnings of Watergate. The author traces the Stardust's colorful history through the auto racing monthlies, national newspapers, extensive interviews and the files of the FBI.

Caesars Palace Grand Prix

Caesars Palace Grand Prix
Author: Randall Cannon
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 443
Release: 2021-10-15
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1476642826

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The path of Grand Prix racing in America wound through raceways at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, and finally Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. At each stop, the influence of organized crime seemed no more than a handshake away. But at Caesars the vast crime syndicate appeared deeply involved in the operations of the luxury-branded resort. The Caesars Palace Grand Prix then culminated in an unholy alliance of the world capital of gambling, the mob, and the international czar of Formula One. During its four-year run of successive Formula One and CART IndyCar events, the race hosted the biggest names in motorsport--Mario Andretti, Bernie Ecclestone, Roger Penske, Chris Pook, Alan Jones, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Danny Sullivan, Bobby Rahal and Al Unser among them. The podium celebration of the inaugural Grand Prix put the convergence of alleged organized crime influences and auto racing on public display, while the years that followed provided their own curiosities. This book traces the intertwined threads through decades of accounts, extensive interviews, and the files of the FBI.

Caesars Palace Grand Prix

Caesars Palace Grand Prix
Author: Randall Cannon
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 443
Release: 2021-09-24
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1476683778

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The path of Grand Prix racing in America wound through raceways at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, and finally Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. At each stop, the influence of organized crime seemed no more than a handshake away. But at Caesars the vast crime syndicate appeared deeply involved in the operations of the luxury-branded resort. The Caesars Palace Grand Prix then culminated in an unholy alliance of the world capital of gambling, the mob, and the international czar of Formula One. During its four-year run of successive Formula One and CART IndyCar events, the race hosted the biggest names in motorsport--Mario Andretti, Bernie Ecclestone, Roger Penske, Chris Pook, Alan Jones, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Danny Sullivan, Bobby Rahal and Al Unser among them. The podium celebration of the inaugural Grand Prix put the convergence of alleged organized crime influences and auto racing on public display, while the years that followed provided their own curiosities. This book traces the intertwined threads through decades of accounts, extensive interviews, and the files of the FBI.

Paul S. Endy Jr. Las Vegas Casino Gaming Legend

Paul S. Endy Jr. Las Vegas Casino Gaming Legend
Author: Eric P. Endy MBA
Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2022-07-14
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1637102399

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There isn’t a person who had anything to do with the gaming industry in Las Vegas—or the world for that matter—that doesn’t recognize the company name of Paul-Son Dice. But how many know the name of the man behind Paul-Son, Paul S. Endy Jr.? He was known by many names, including Mr. Paulson, the old man, a mover and a shaker, a bull in a china shop, and Mr. Endy. But to me he was known as my father, and I would like to share the story of his life and the legacy to the gaming industry he left behind. Dear Eric, I went to work at the El Cortez in 1965. By 1967, I became the Casino Manager and started doing business with your dad. I became his oldest and largest customer. Over the years, through several more hotels, I gave Paul-Son Dice and Cards over 90% of my business --- gaming tables, dice, chips, etc. Your father was a true pioneer in the gaming supply business. He, myself and my father, Jackie Gaughan, are all in the Gambling Hall of Fame. Your brother, Tom, and I were close friends and my son, John, worked one summer for your company. Eric, best of luck on this endeavor. I am sure if your father were still alive today, he would be proud of you. Michael Gaughan South Point Hotel Dear Eric, As a Las Vegas resident since 1964 and Mayor for 12 years, I had the pleasure of knowing your father Paul Endy Jr. both personally and professionally. I remember having breakfast with him and the other “movers and shakers” at Papa Gars which was right around the corner and across the railroad tracks from Paul-Son Dice and Card Company. Your dad reminded me of a “Bull in a China Shop” and was able to get things done today, not yesterday and sealed with a handshake. I consider him as a gaming legend and one of the “good old boys” whose fundraising efforts for both UNLV baseball and Westcare were commendable. Thank You for continuing his gaming legacy. Mayor Oscar Goodman Mayor of Las Vegas from 1999-2011 Eric, Your Dad was a real Casino Gaming Legend and a great human being! I remember when your father was inducted into the gaming Hall of Fame in 1996, an honor very well deserved. I will always cherish the time your Dad and I spent together and the commitment we both had to fundraising for charitable causes. I am so proud that you are continuing his legacy by writing his biography. Wayne Newton Mr. Las Vegas

Lost Road Courses

Lost Road Courses
Author: Martin Rudow
Publisher: CarTech Inc
Total Pages: 176
Release: 2016-07-15
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 1613252226

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Road racing has long-storied roots in North America that reach from coast to coast and to Canada. Some of the greatest drivers to ever compete raced wickedly fast machines, staged epic duels on winding strips of asphalt, and created history. This history left an enduring legacy that is revealed and celebrated in Lost Road Courses. Road racer and road racing expert Martin Rudow retraces road racing's glorious past and visits the defunct classic road courses across the United States and Canada. Many road courses were built in the 1950s and 1960s, the golden age of American road racing. These classic road courses built and hosted famous races for Trans-Am, Can-Am, IndyCar, Formula 1, and sports car racing, but did not survive the times. They fell victim to changing times, poor business decisions, urban sprawl, safety standards, and increasing real estate prices. Rudow recounts the breathtaking races and fascinating history of more than 16 tracks from around North America. Riverside International Raceway, Bridgehampton Race Circuit, Ontario Motor Speedway, Continental Divide Raceway, and many others were once major race venues that have since closed. The great race teams, legendary drivers, classic race series that visited the tracks, and cars that turned laps are brought into full focus. The exploits of Chaparral, McLaren, Bud Moore, Lotus, Penske, and other race teams as well as racing greats Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones, Jim Hall, A. J. Foyt, Al Unser, Jim Clark, and Dan Gurney are covered. Rudow also digs beneath the surface to reveal the story behind the story. The visionaries and businessmen who saw potential and risked capital to build these palaces of speed come back to life. He also recognizes the unsung heroes and regional racers who competed, staffed, and took on various roles at these tracks. In the pages of this book, a nostalgic tour of these famous races at these vintage road circuits unfolds. Many period photos illustrate the racing action and the tracks themselves in their former glory, and modern color shows the tracks as they currently stand. If you're a fan of classic sports car, Can-Am, Trans-Am, IndyCar, Formula 1, as well as classic and unique tracks of yesteryear, this book is a must-have.

John Surtees

John Surtees
Author: John Surtees
Publisher: Evro Publishing Limited
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014-09-15
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9780992820923

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This long-awaited book is a photographic memoir by the only man to have won World Championships on motorcycles and in cars. Containing nearly 300 photographs from Surtees' own collection as well as from the world's finest motorsport picture libraries, this major book presents a complete visual record of Surtees' life accompanied by fascinating commentary written in collaboration with co-author Mike Nicks. Chapters of particular interest are those covering Surtees's formative years and the extraordinary 1960 season in which he raced both motorcycles and cars, winning two World Championships on MV Agusta bikes as well as taking second place for Lotus in the British GP, which was only his second Formula 1 race. Royalties from sales of the book will go to the Henry Surtees Foundation, which was set up to honour the memory of John's son Henry, who was killed in a freak accident at Brands Hatch in 2009. - The early years (up to 1952): a childhood around motorcycle racing, apprenticeship with Vincent, then racing a Vincent Grey Flash. - Getting established (1953-55): Moving on to ride mainly Manx Nortons, he did 86 races in one year, and in 1955 achieved his first grand prix win, in the 250cc Ulster GP on an NSU. - The glory years (1956-60): dominating top-level motorcycle racing for five years with Italian team MV Agusta, taking seven World Championship titles on 500cc and 350cc bikes. - The remarkable year of bikes and cars (1960): overlapping his last year of motorcycle racing with 17 car races, including four F1 World Championship events. - Ferrari driver (1963-66): established in cars, he joined Ferrari, winning his first race – the Sebring 12 Hours for sports cars – and the following year becoming F1 World Champion. - Can-Am champion (1966): after recovery from a huge crash in a Lola T70 sports car and acrimonious departure from Ferrari, he bounced back in North America to win the spectacular Can-Am series. - Turning Japanese (1967-68): Honda invited Surtees to develop and drive its F1 cars for two years, with victory in the Italian GP at Monza the highlight. - Becoming a constructor (1969-78): going into single-seater racing, including F1, with Team Surtees and cars of his own manufacture; Mike Hailwood won the European F2 Championship in 1972. - The latter years (1978 onwards): fully active on the historic scene as a restorer and driver of motorcycles and cars, then nurturing son Henry's career until the tragic accident. Royal Automobile Club shortlist of contenders for Motoring Book of the Year!

Virginia International Raceway

Virginia International Raceway
Author: Chris Holaday
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 132
Release: 2003-04
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780738515168

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From the August 1957 VIR race program: "The rolling Virginia hills have been painstakingly clad with an ultra-smooth skin of macadam to provide a course of great natural beauty. The superb spectator visibility is nicely equated to a road layout that will test the best in racing machines and men." In the late 1950s, a group of sports car enthusiasts dreamed of creating a first-class racing facility. The result was Virginia International Raceway, a challenging 3.2-mile course with 12 turns, 2 straightaways, and over 100 feet of elevation change. Located in southern Virginia, east of Danville and just across the North Carolina border, the track opened in 1957. During VIR's first 18 years of existence, races featured some of the top names in American motorsports including Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske, Walt Hansgen, and Richard Petty. The track also hosted numerous important events including SCCA Nationals, the President's Cup, a Trans-Am race in the first season of that circuit, as well as IMSA races in the early 1970s. Facing financial difficulties, the track shut down in 1974, and for the next 25 years VIR was a cow pasture. It was reopened in 2000 and the outstanding new facility is again one of the top racing venues in the country.

Road & Track

Road & Track
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1220
Release: 1980
Genre: Automobile racing
ISBN:

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Speedway

Speedway
Author: S. Collins
Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd
Total Pages: 176
Release: 2010-02-15
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1845842413

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Around the world lies a number of long-forgotten raceways; windswept and abandoned, the derelict pit roads and crumbling concrete are all that remains of once great race tracks. From the NASCAR heartland of North Wilkesboro and Middle Georgia to the great European super speedways at Monza and Brooklands. All photographed as they are now, but remembered in their prime.