Life in the Past Lane: A History of Stock Car Racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950 - 1980
"Joe's book captures the smells and sounds of what racing was like in the early days. The stories and photos are priceless. It's a book any fan of this era must have in their collection."
- Scott Hansen, former NASCAR truck racer, ASA Rookie of the Year and 5-time Wisconsin International Raceway late model champion
The heyday of the Northeast Wisconsin auto racing scene featured grandstands packed with fans eager to cheer their heroes and jeer the villains. It was an era in which drivers often used junkyard parts to build their rides, and cars might trade hands over a card game.
Inside This Racing History Book
Author Joe Verdegan introduces you to the characters and behind-the-scenes stories that played out at tracks throughout the region. This comprehensive racing history documents three decades of stock car racing culture in Northeast Wisconsin, from the post-war boom of the 1950s through the competitive 1980s era.
What You'll Discover
Sit in on interviews with the drivers, promoters and car builders who made racing the hottest ticket in town. The book features rare historical photography capturing the raw energy of early stock car racing, when innovation came from necessity and competition was fierce. Learn about the tracks that defined the region's racing scene and the personalities who became local legends.
Perfect For
Racing enthusiasts, Wisconsin history buffs, collectors of automotive literature, and anyone fascinated by the golden age of American motorsports will find this book an essential addition to their collection. The combination of first-hand accounts and period photography provides an authentic window into a transformative era of stock car racing.
Book Details
Paperback format featuring extensive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and vintage photography from Northeast Wisconsin racing tracks. Published December 2015, this collector's edition preserves the legacy of drivers, mechanics, and promoters who shaped regional racing history during its most dynamic period.
