At the Altar of Speed

Abridged
Author: Leigh Montville
Narrator: Tim Blake Nelson
Genres: Sports, Biographies, Sports & Recreation, Biography, Other Sports
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: August 2008
Length: 3 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

He was The Intimidator. A nightmare in the rear-view mirror. A seven-time Winston Cup champion. A driver whose personal success story and dedication inspired the adoration of millions of fans. Then on February 18, 2001, just seconds from the Daytona 500 finish line, the world of stock-car racing suffered a devastating loss as Dale Earnhardt fatally careened into a track wall.

Beginning with Earnhardt's early days growing up in small-town North Carolina, veteran sports writer Leigh Montville examines how a ninth-grade dropout started on the dusty dirt tracks of the South, went through two marriages and a string of no-future jobs before turning twenty-five, then took about a million left-turns to glory. Through the pitfalls and triumphs, Earnhardt would ultimately become a celebrated champion. The son of a legendary racer, the father of a NASCAR star, he lived a total autoracing life filled with triumph and sadness, great joy and great pain.

Transporting listeners to the colorful, noisy world of stock-car racing, where powerful engines allow drivers to reach speeds of 200 m.p.h., At the Altar of Speed vividly captures the man who drove the black No. 3 car, a man whose determination and inner strength left behind a legacy of greatness that has redefined his sport. At the Altar of Speed is a tribute to both the man and his unbeatable spirit.

Reviews (7)

At the Alter of Speed

Written by Shirley Stinnett on March 9th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I liked this book. I am a big race fan and I enjoyed hearing the story behind the man.

At the Altar of Speed

Written by Beth Paquette on May 29th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Finally the true story of the Intimidator!!! Being a fan still I was happy that his story was told the right way. Way to go. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a Nascar fan. Way to go.

At the Altar of Speed

Written by Anonymous from San Jose, CA on February 17th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Interesting look at the beginning of present day NASCAR racing. Jumps around a little, tough to keep a timeline clear, and skips some major events. But its a good read, an interesting book.

At the Altar of Speed

Written by Gem Spector on February 1st, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Growing up in the South, NASCAR was a part of my life. No one was more shocked than I that it became THE sport of champions and high ratings. When it came across the internet that Earnhardt had died, I called home and my mother started wailing. My Daddy never cared for what he termed Earnhardt's "dirty racing." The book alludes to this. Dirty or not, the man was a force to be reckoned with. This book outlines what we Southerners always knew, that you had to be born into the sport. Even that didn't guarantee a winner. But the Earnhardts are winners. Junior, Dale's son, lives the tradition of Dale's father, wearing #12. Count on this book to be a quick, enjoyable read.

I miss Dale

Written by Anonymous from Carrollton, TX on January 12th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I was such a fan of Earnhardt that I lost interest in NASCAR when he died. I wanted to listen to this cd to learn about his early career. Racing was his life's passion. A true champion.

Delivers on a good Bio

Written by Steve on September 21st, 2004

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I love hearing biographies and this one definitely delivers. Every life has its challenges and triumphs and hearing others is always inspirational for me. Give it a listen you will like it!

At the Altar of Speed

Written by David Wyatt on August 27th, 2004

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Provides good insight into the emerging world of NASCAR from its roots to present day sucess. Includes lots of anecdotal information about NASCAR that is very amusing.