No, this is not The New Yorks Times and neither am I a writer for said daily rag that makes considerable impact on the world of writers trying to make a living. I am, however, a race fan with 58 years of the sport behind me, and a reader who reads everything he can get his hands on and has been doing that since I was 5 years old. I read books like some folks eat potato chips, I just can't get enough.

When Perry Allen Wood's first book "Silent Speedways of The Carolinas" came out a few years ago, I received my copy via mail order. It arrived as I was starting a long weekend so I picked it up, starting reading, and just couldn't put it down as it brought the history of those tracks back to life. So many of those tracks and the races described in that book were such a part of my growing up days. I was so impressed that I tracked down the young Mr. Wood at his employment and actually spoke to him by phone that day. I did not realize at the time that he and I would become fellow members of this Racers Reunion website where we strive to keep the memories of the old speedways and the old racers thriving for the younger fans to know about.

Last month, Perry Allen's latest book hit the bookstores. "Declarations of Stock Car Independents" chronicles the careers of Johnny Allen, Tommy Irwin, Curtis Crider, Elmo Henderson, Reb Wickersham, Paul Lewis, Gene Hobby, Jimmy Helms, Joe Frasson, Raymond Williams, D.K. Ulrich and James Hylton from each driver's personal view. The chapter for each individual records the highs and the lows of each one's place in the sport. Each chapter is, for the most part., verbatim quotes of conversations the author had with the driver. Consequently, there are a few words you may not want your 10 year old to read, but, then again, with today's television being what it is, the kid has most likely heard the words before. What little of the "off color" language that is contained in the book should not prevent any true race fan, or anyone who wants to be a true race fan, from reading the book.

As can be expected when there are twelve individuals involved, opinions as to abilities, personalities and contributions of Petty, Jarrett, Allison, Yarborough and Pearson differ considerably. The constant is that all believed Wendell Scott personified both the plight and the dream of the independent. To a man, the twelve contributors to this book speak highly of Wendell. It's too bad Wendell wasn't around for the author to interview because I'm sure that chapter would have rocked for sure!

All the chapters and insights are great! Well worth the read. I was especially touched by Reb Wickersham's revelations after his crash with Buren Skeen at Darlington which resulted in Buren's death. Joe Frasson's chapter was also one to be remembered, as was James Harvey Hylton's chapter.

What you will learn, as you read the book, is a history of the sanctioning body that you may not have heard before, or, maybe you've heard rumors of but never knew for certain. You will also learn about certain individuals in that sanctioning body, called out my name by the 12 drivers, who were presenting one side to the public and another side to the independent drivers who kept the sport growing and without whom there would be no Chase, no Cup, and no sanctioning body. These stories can be told now because the threat of being barred for life no longer applies to these competitors and the 75 year James Harvey Hylton is racing with another sanctioning body which has no designs on a "Car of Tomorrow" and which still stages very competitive races with drivers who maintain the integrity of what stock car racing SHOULD be about.

There is so much about "Declarations of Stock Car Independents" that makes it a good read and worth the price of purchase, but to a true fan of the sport who knows that there is a history of stock car racing PRIOR to 1980 in spite of what some want you to believe, the words between the covers are priceless. You know, even the cover is priceless. James Harvey Hylton sitting in that banged up 1965 Yellow Dodge! Oh, and I guess I should mention, since I'm using his space here, that our own Jeff Gilder wrote the Foreword for the book and although he doesn't write for The New York Times either, he did a good job.

You should know that I did NOT receive a free book. I paid for mine. I was fortunate enough to have the author autograph the inside front cover with a personal message I treasure. I am not paid for this review. I get absolutely nothing out of this review other than the satisfaction of believing that some of you who read this will order the book and enjoy it as much as I did.

Tim