One of my favorite automotive books is Doug Nye’s “Motor Racing Mavericks”. Published in 1975, it explores failures—high-end failures—in Grand Prix and IndyCar racing. “Failures” is a harsh word to apply to some; no turbine car won at Indy, but in 1967 Parnelli Jones came within three laps of victory when a $6 bearing failed. Turbine cars were banned along with four-wheel drive to which they were particularly suited. Some came into the category of “what were you smoking when…

Pete Austin