Here is a unique, revealing, one-of-a-kind book about many of the
personalities, pilot, and aircraft involved in major transcontinental
races across the United States from 1928-1970. Cross-country unlimited
class events-including non-stop air derbies of the late 1920s, the
famous Bendix Trophy Races of the 1930s and 1940s, and modern Reno
Harolds Club Trophy to 1970-produced some of the most exciting and
heartbreaking tournaments on record. Written by the co-author of
Mustang: The Racing Thoroughbred, this companion volume is an extensive
history and assessment of many factors involved in the isolated, lonely
environment of long distance air racing. Although the history is
seasoned with technical lore-the history of aviation weather forecasting
and wireless radio transmission, major engine manufacturing, detailed
histories of the Marcoux-Bromberg r-3, and the Granville Brothers Gee
Bee-the human element is by no means neglected. The trials, ordeals and
mishaps of many famous pilots include Jimmy Doolittle, Art Grobel, Benny
Howard, Earl Ortman, Joe Debona, Charley Tucker, Ed Lunken, and Mike
Carroll, and are remembered in context with the planes they flew.