Overview

To generations of racing fans, Rodger Ward is a symbol of one of most-beloved eras in American racing. A two-time Indy 500 winner, Ward was curly-haired with a broad smile and twinkle in his eye. Although born in Kansas, he was raised and began racing in the busy Southern California midget scene. In a national championship career that stretched from 1950 through 1966, he won the title twice (59 and 62, the same years as his Indy victories). He competed at ovals from coast to coast and built a large and loyal group of fans. He ranks 9th all-time in laps led in the Indy 500 (2,955) and 8th in Indy car race victories. In his career he drove for many of the top teams, most notably the Wilke Leader Cards team owned by Ralph Wilke and headed by A. J. Watson. In addition to his championship efforts, he led a colorful life. He was an Army P-38 fighter pilot during WWII and early in his career the AAA stock car champion. Ward once rolled a stock car eight times during the Mexican Road Race. He competed in the Race of the Worlds pitting American cars and drivers against Europeans at Monza in 1958. He is known for his 1959 victory in a Formula Libre race at Lime Rock driving an Offy-powered midget, and then racing a sprint car in the US Grand Prix at Sebring. He was involved in the accident that took the life of Bill Vukovich at Indy in 1955--an accident that is one of the most well-remembered in Indy history and that had a huge impact on Rodger's life. This book contains recollections of Wards career and life from interviews with competitors, team owners, reporters and others who witnessed his prowess on the track, official racing photos, and exclusive photos and other content from the Ward familys collections.

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9780760321775

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Reviews

Midwest Book Review, December 2006 Rodger Ward: Superstar of American Racing's Golden Age is a 'must' for any collection claiming strength in automotive racing history...Racing writer Mike O'Leary adds vivid drama and detail to this story, and also delves into Ward's lesser-known history such as his stint as a fighter pilot during the Second World War. Auto racing fans shouldn't be without it.

Road and Track, June 2007 <br> Documenting a circle-track career so gritty you can feel the dirt between your fingernails, author O' Leary brings Rodger Ward' s life into sharp focus. Tons of black and white photos with long captions give race by race particulars. <br> & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; & n b s p; National Speed Sport News, <br> This 160-page ... profusely illustrated hardcover is a must for those interested in the post WWII open-wheel racing scene in this country. <br> Nov. 8, 2006

<p> Midwest Book Review, December 2006<br><br> Rodger Ward: Superstar of American Racing's Golden Age is a 'must' for any collection claiming strength in automotive racing history...Racing writer Mike O'Leary adds vivid drama and detail to this story, and also delves into Ward's lesser-known history such as his stint as a fighter pilot during the Second World War. Auto racing fans shouldn't be without it.

SprintCar & Midget Magazine Rodger Ward: Superstar of American Racing's Golden Age is not a collection of stats and figures. Rather it is a story of the life of a true American racing hero, who could outrun the Offies with a Ford, or outrun the field at Indy...this book serves as a fitting representation of the life and career of a truly legendary racer.

Author Information

Mike O'Leary regularly covers American open-wheel racing, writing from his home in Bloomington, Indiana. He is personal friends with Rodger Ward's son and had exclusive access to family photos as well as new insights into the career of this legendary driver. He is the author of two previous Motorbooks titles: Outlaw Sprints; and Mario Andretti: The Complete Record. Mike O'Leary regularly covers American open-wheel racing, writing from his home in Bloomington, Indiana. He is personal friends with Rodger Ward's son and had exclusive access to family photos as well as new insights into the career of this legendary driver. He is the author of two previous Motorbooks titles: Outlaw Sprints; and Mario Andretti: The Complete Record.

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