"Fastest Of The First" book opinions

[rjohnson]

I suspect you’ll probably read it before me as I’m involved in some other projects, so I’ll be interested in your thoughts about it.

Incidentally, my Indy 500 book list has grown since the one I published in the other thread a few weeks ago, so if you’d like to receive an updated copy, just shoot me a message with your email address.

[helioseism]

Thanks, it seems clear that nobody has actually read it! Anyway, I did see it on your list, and I now have a copy, so they have sold at least two....😁 I have gotten interested in auto racing history before 1930, so I'm looking forward to it.

[rjohnson]

helioseism, I have the book. I confess, though, I haven't found the time to read it, but I have used it for reference a few times. I'm very impressed by what I've seen of it, mostly scanning through the pages. It is a combination of history of the 1911 inaugural 500, and the story of Fred Belcher, one of the drivers in that race. I don't know who the Belcher Foundation is, I'm assuming it is relatives/descendants of Fred Belcher, but perhaps not.

There are short biographical snippets on each of the 40 drivers in the 1911 race, as well as descriptions of all the cars, plus accounts of events leading up to the race, and of course, the race itself. Sources are listed for each chapter, and there is an index - both helpful for research. It appears that the majority of sources referenced are contemporary magazine articles written prior to, and shortly after the race.

Again, take this for what it's worth, since I haven't read the book, but I am very impressed with it.

[helioseism]

I just ran across this book "Fastest of the First: A Complete History of the Inaugural 1911 Indianapolis 500 Including the Driving of the Fastest Laps by Fred W. Belcher", written by the Belcher Foundation. I've never heard of it, does anyone have an opinion?