{"product_id":"drag-racing-in-the-1970s-don-the-snake-prudhomme-2-book-set","title":"Drag Racing in the 1970s \u0026 Don “The Snake” Prudhomme 2 Book Set","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n  \u003ch1\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s: A Sensational Decade of Speed and Innovation\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Step back into the thrilling world of the 1970s with this captivating book that chronicles a \n    groundbreaking decade in drag racing history. While drag racing began in the 1950s as a fledgling \n    sport, it experienced extraordinary technological progress during the 1960s. By the 1970s, the \n    sport reached new heights of sophistication, ushering in a new era of professionalism. As larger, \n    well-funded teams dominated the national stage, smaller, budget-conscious teams were often forced \n    to step back or compete in lower-cost classes.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Despite these changes, the 1970s proved to be one of the most dynamic periods in drag racing. It \n    was an era of innovation, with exciting new classes and technological advancements shaping the \n    sport. Funny Cars transformed from altered-wheelbase doorslammers of the 1960s into full-fledged, \n    tube-chassis, fiberglass-bodied machines by 1970. This evolution paved the way for the creation of \n    the Pro Stock class, a fan-favorite that brought fierce rivalries and direct ties to Detroit’s \n    major automakers. In the name of safety and performance, Top Fuel cars shifted to mid-engine designs, \n    becoming faster and more aerodynamic. By the end of the decade, Funny Cars had nearly evolved into \n    full-bodied versions of their Top Fuel counterparts. Many of these 1970s developments continue to \n    influence NHRA racing today.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e, written by veteran racing historian Doug Boyce, offers \n    a comprehensive, chronological look at this exciting decade. Packed with vivid photography and \n    insightful commentary, the book dives into the cars, classes, and iconic drivers that defined the \n    era. Readers will uncover the rise of big-money sponsors, the transition to professionalism, and \n    the role of lower-budget classes like Modified Eliminator and Super Stock. This richly illustrated \n    tribute is a must-have addition to any drag racing enthusiast’s library.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe first book to focus exclusively on drag racing in the 1970s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFeatures rare, never-before-published photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCovers the birth of new classes, legendary drivers, and unforgettable stories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Doug Boyce’s passion for drag racing has spanned a lifetime. From turning his first wrench at age 8 \n    to attending his first race at age 10, Doug was hooked by the adrenaline-filled world of burning \n    rubber and roaring engines. By his teenage years, he was fully immersed in building classic cars \n    and indulging his passion for the sport. Balancing a career in the automotive industry, Doug also \n    dedicated his free time to documenting drag racing’s golden years through club and magazine articles. \n    His deep knowledge and ongoing love for the sport have culminated in several acclaimed books, \n    including \u003cem\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGrumpy’s Toys\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJunior Stock\u003c\/em\u003e, and \n    \u003cem\u003e1001 Drag Racing Facts\u003c\/em\u003e, among others.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Whether you’re a seasoned drag racing fan or a newcomer looking to explore its rich history, \n    \u003cstrong\u003eDrag Racing in the 1970s\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compelling read that captures the essence of one of \n    the most exciting decades in motorsport.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon “The Snake” Prudhomme\u003c\/strong\u003e reveals for the first time ever his incredible life and career on and off of the drag strip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine spending a year with Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, having coffee together and talking about his life, his racing, his friends, and his family. He’d tell you about how he rose from being a high school drop-out who was painting cars to a respected Top Fuel dragster driver and successful businessman. You’d hear how he toured the country with Tommy Ivo and “The Hawaiian” Roland Leong, racing all the legends from \u003cstrong\u003e“Big Daddy” Don Garlits\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003e“The Golden Greek” [Chris] Karamesines\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe’d say how he met \u003cstrong\u003eTom McEwen\u003c\/strong\u003e and recall how they became \u003cstrong\u003ethe Snake\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ethe Mongoose\u003c\/strong\u003e, leading to a career in \u003cstrong\u003eFunny Cars\u003c\/strong\u003e that netted him four championships in a row. He’d talk about the thrill of first wins and owning his own teams but also the struggles of bad seasons,  crashes and fires, broken parts, and broken contracts. Along the way, he’d speak about the people in his life, such as engine-builder \u003cstrong\u003eKeith Black\u003c\/strong\u003e and NHRA president \u003cstrong\u003eWally Parks\u003c\/strong\u003e, and those who were killed in the wild and unpredictable sport of nitro racing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt wouldn’t be only racing, though. Prudhomme would share lessons he learned about business and life from such varied sources as a neighbor in Granada Hills to Ford GT40 driver \u003cstrong\u003eDan Gurney\u003c\/strong\u003e. He also would talk about the importance of family: how his wife, Lynn, and daughter, Donna, changed his world and how finding out about his African-American roots opened his eyes to a culture and inheritance he’d always wanted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Don Prudhomme is arguably the most famous drag racer of all time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• This will be the first time Don Prudhomme has talked publicly about his life both on and off the track\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Don Prudhomme won 49 NHRA races, 4 NHRA Championships, and won the US Nationals 7 times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49697290584344,"sku":"KIT9781613258422\/9781613255186","price":62.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit97816132584229781613255186.jpg?v=1772259892","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/ar\/products\/drag-racing-in-the-1970s-don-the-snake-prudhomme-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}