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Synopsis
In 1898, one of the first automobiles set a land speed record of 39 miles per hour. Back then, few would have guessed that one day a vehicle would go faster than the speed of sound. Yet ever since that day, drivers have had a strong need for speed. They have designed their cars to go faster and faster in an effort to claim the world land speed record on racecourses ranging from a desert in Nevada to a dry lakebed in Australia. The Need for Speed is the story of those amazing speed machines and the drivers who eagerly compete for the title of the "fastest person on Earth." Race Car Legends: Collector's Edition books delve into the nuts and bolts of one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Each book brings readers behind the scenes with key people in the sport and into the lives of the sport's most popular drivers. Many of the books feature all-new first-person interviews.
Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 12 to 18.
Tara Baukus Mello has written a fascinating book about the desire for speed. The first speed record was kept in 1898. The fastest motor recorded was thirty-six horsepower. Pictures reflect progress made throughout the years. One 1904 picture is of Henry Ford standing by his race car with driver Barney Oldfield at the wheel. Charles Rolls became interested in land speed records which was the beginning of Rolls-Royce automobiles. Speed records continued to reach upward. In 1970, 622.407 mph was recorded. Craig Breedlove built the first Spirit of America and held the land speed record for more than thirty-two years. His record was broken in 1970. Richard Noble, England, was ranked the fastest man on earth. In 1997 Andy Green was first to travel faster than the speed of sound. Australians were interested in speed as driver Rosco McGlashan hoped their engine could race at 1,000 mph. The cars are unusual. The North American Eagle used the shell of a Lockheed F104. It was fifty-six feet long and weighed 13,000 pounds. It uses 160 gallons of jet fuel every minute when running at top speed. The engine runs with 55,000 horsepower. The legends about race car drivers add realism and excitement to the account. Helpful information can be found in the glossary, bibliography, video, further reading, index, and list of web sites. There are twenty-five books in this series. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro