Flat track racing is very much an "only in America" sport. Some say "Americans racing motorcycles like they race horses!" Others say "the only simple and pure racing left in today's massively complicated world." The Complete Book of Flat Track Racing, when first published in 1978, was a celebration. This brand new edition sticks to the original concept but is completely reworked and re- illustrated, and continues that celebration today. Feel the dirt flying, the ground pounding vibration, and be exhausted by the massive excitement of being totally sideways in turn two aboard a Harley-Davidson XR 750! Welcome to the Thunder Dome!

Presents information on the sport of flat track motorcycle racing, including the nature of the track, racing techniques, safety equipment, and prominent racers.

The history of flat track motorcycle racing up to 2020. Told from the vantage point of the Frederick Maryland 1/2 mile track where the first motorcycle ran on July 4th, 1900 and motorcycles have raced almost continually up to the present on the same track and same day. The history of the Fritchie is the history of flat track racing.

Sam Arena was, without a doubt, the top Northern California half-mile racer of the 1940s. He became a motorcycle racing legend from his undefeated seasons and by setting numerous flat rack records in the 1930s and 1940s, and later earned six National Hill Climb Championships throughout the 1940s and 1950s. After a career of racing throughout the Western United States, Florida, New Zealand, and England, Sam retired from flat track racing in 1947 to focus on motorcycle hill climbs. From where Sam left off, local riders such as Al Rudy, Larry Headrick, and Joe Leonard (collectively known as the San Jose Bunch), began dominating in their sport under the watchful eye of Tom Sifton. In 1953, after working for famed innovator Sifton for 20 years, Sam became owner of the San Jose Harley Davidson dealership which was the center of Northern California racing throughout the 1950s during the golden age of motorcycle racing. Set against the excitement of motorcycle racing, "ARENA: King of the Flat Tracks" takes you on a thrill ride through 25 years in the life of the great Sam Arena, and these modern day pony express riders who risked life and limb on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons to cross the finish line first.

One of the most evocative eras in the history of American motorsport was the golden age of dirt-track racing, when hairy-knuckled drivers duked it out in open-wheel racers on half-mile ovals around the country. This photographic history spans the classic era from 1946 to 1970, featuring vintage photography of the Champ and Sprint cars that were driven by men like A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Roger Ward and Bobby Unser for very little monetary reward. The technologies of the most successful and unusual cars are discussed as are specific races, circuits and some of the more colorful personalities of the period. Midget and track roadsters are also featured, along with period color photography.

The history of dirt track racing in southeast Tennessee and North Georgia is documented through pictures and old newspaper articles. An 148 page paperback book.