More than 120 years of motorsport: stories, triumphs and tragedies, sensational innovations, rapid progress, and grandiose dead ends. The History of Motorsport gives a gripping and informative rundown of the colourful world of motor racing, with its trailblazing technical developments and its greatest series and races. The book begins with the first Grand Prix in motor-racing history, and takes readers on a journey through the decades all the way to FIA Formula E. Along the way they will encounter cars like Michael Schumacher's 'red goddess', the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel, and its Formula 1 forefathers from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lotus, and Brabham, the likes of the Lancia Stratos and Delta Integrale, Audi Sport Quattro, Citroën WRC, and the VW Race Touareg for the Dakar rally. Touring cars through to Mike Rockenfeller's Schaeffler-Audi RS5 also take their place of honour here. The choice of vehicles has been made to ensure all important races and racing series are included. Extensive statistics complete this comprehensive book.

First published in 2012. This book examines the evolution of motor sport from its creation in central Europe, throughout the rest of the continent and elsewhere, including in both North and South America. It was published as a special issue of the International Journal of the History of Sport.

This book explores the history and politics of motor racing, one of the most popular and lucrative elements in the international sport industry. Written by a group of international scholars and motor racing specialists it discusses the sport’s origins, the relationship of motor racing to nation building and modernity (noting its links to fascism and dictatorship), the links between motor racing and the automobile industry, motor racing and the politics both of gender and of race, motor racing, the media and postmodernity, and motor racing, the spatial and globalization. This book speaks to scholars in history, politics, sport studies, the sociology of sport, sport management and cultural studies, along with the many lay readers who are interested in the relationship between motor sport and society.

Soon after the first automobiles were introduced in the United States, auto racing became a reality. Since that time, motorsports have expanded to include drag racing, open wheel racing, rallying, demolition derbies, stock car racing, and more. Motorsports have grown to such an extent that NASCAR is now the second most watched professional sport in America, behind only football. But motorsports are about much more than going fast and finishing first. These events also reflect our culture, our society, our values, and our history. In Motorsports and American Culture: From Demolition Derbies to NASCAR, Mark D. Howell and John D. Miller bring together essays that examine the relevancy of motorsports to American culture and history, from the late nineteenth century to the present. Addressing a wide spectrum of motorsports—such as stock car racing, demolition derbies, land speed record pursuits, and even staged train wrecks—the essays highlight the social and cultural implications of contemporary and historical moments in these sports. Topics covered include gender roles in motorsports, hot rods and the creation of fan and participant identities, the appeal of demolition derbies, the globalization of motorsports, the role of moonshine in stock car history, the economic relationship between NASCAR and its corporate sponsors, and more. Offering the most thorough study of motorsports to date from a diverse pool of disciplines and subjects, Motorsports and American Culture will appeal to motorsports and automobile enthusiasts, as well as those interested in American history, popular culture, sports history, and gender studies.

Presents the history of stock car racing from its beginning when NASCAR was formed in the 1940s through the 1998 Daytona 500