{"product_id":"drag-racing-in-the-1970s-butch-the-california-flash-leal-2-book-set","title":"Drag Racing in the 1970s \u0026 Butch “The California Flash” Leal 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\u003eBorn and raised in central California, Larry “Butch” Leal\u003cbr\u003ewas obsessed with cars from a very early age. What began\u003cbr\u003ewith field cars turned into hard work and new Chevrolets.\u003cbr\u003eThis took place when the golden era of drag racing was in\u003cbr\u003eits infancy, and Leal joined with enthusiasm. He performed\u003cbr\u003ewell at the track with his early Chevys and had an impressive\u003cbr\u003enumber of wins before he was out of high school. His\u003cbr\u003esuccess brought him plenty of attention and collaboration\u003cbr\u003ewith other big names in the sport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 1963, GM pulled out of the sport on an official basis.\u003cbr\u003eAs a result, Butch (at age 19) teamed up with Mickey\u003cbr\u003eThompson and joined the Ford camp, securing a ride with\u003cbr\u003ethe factory team and its new Thunderbolts for 1964. After\u003cbr\u003ehis success that season, including winning the Super Stock\u003cbr\u003e(S\/S) class at the 1964 NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis,\u003cbr\u003eChrysler came calling, and Butch signed on to race the new\u003cbr\u003ealtered-wheelbase cars in match races for 1965, as the\u003cbr\u003eNHRA did not have a class for these new “funny” looking\u003cbr\u003ecars. While Leal dabbled again with Ford and Chevrolet\u003cbr\u003elater, his relationship with Chrysler lasted well into the\u003cbr\u003efollowing decades, running both Funny Cars and Super\u003cbr\u003eStockers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePenned by talented automotive historian Bob McClurg,\u003cbr\u003ewho was there for it all, and featuring full collaboration with\u003cbr\u003ethe book’s subject, Butch “The California Flash” Leal covers\u003cbr\u003ethe span of his fascinating career during arguably the\u003cbr\u003emost interesting era in drag racing history. Butch was an\u003cbr\u003e11-time NHRA champion and 4-time recipient of Car Craft\u003cbr\u003emagazine’s All-Star Driver of the Year award in a career\u003cbr\u003ethat spanned the 1960s through the 1990s. It’s all here, the\u003cbr\u003eevents, great vintage photography, and the stories from one\u003cbr\u003eof the best storytellers the NHRA has ever known. Add this\u003cbr\u003eentertaining volume to your drag racing library today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• This is the first ever biography on Butch “The California\u003cbr\u003eFlash” Leal.\u003cbr\u003e• It is filled with never-before-seen vintage drag racing\u003cbr\u003ephotography.\u003cbr\u003e• Leal is a great storyteller; he shared many stories for\u003cbr\u003ethis book.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49701084823832,"sku":"KIT9781613258422\/9781613257104","price":58.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kit97816132584229781613257104.jpg?v=1772260307","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/cs\/products\/drag-racing-in-the-1970s-butch-the-california-flash-leal-2-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}