By H.A. Branham and Holly Cain ∙ November 12, 2024

In a beautifully illustrated, no-holds-barred nod to a colorful 76-year history, NASCAR Mavericks celebrates the innovators – and the innovations – that have formed the sport’s foundation since its 1948 debut. The celebration is big on the sport’s character – but more so on it’s characters, of which there are plenty.

Available November 12, 2024, NASCAR Mavericks divides a comprehensive lineup of more than 60 stories by decades, starting with the original maverick – the sport’s founder, Bill France Sr. Written by NASCAR historian H.A. Branham and longtime motorsports journalist Holly Cain, those stories are rich with insights from individuals throughout motorsports – including some solid “mavericks.” The authors also source the memories of many top journalists who saw it all go down, first-hand.

NASCAR Mavericks has the ultimate “bookends” with three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart supplying the foreword and current star Ross Chastain the afterword.

Stewart and Chastain are also featured in the book, as are Brian France, the Busch Brothers, Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team and Jimmie Johnson’s longtime crew chief, Chad Knaus. Earlier decades highlight mavericks like Smokey Yunick, Curtis Turner, Louise Smith, Janet Guthrie and Wendell Scott. Across the pages, technology is showcased, some of which – surprise – was ruled illegal.

The combination of detailed photography and entertaining tales makes NASCAR Mavericks a perfect follow-up to last year’s NASCAR 75 Years. Once again, it’s a book for every NASCAR fan.

About the Authors

H.A. Branham, a native of Indianapolis who lives in Ormond Beach, Florida, worked in the communications departments at NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway for nearly two decades. Prior to that, he was an editor and writer at the Tampa Tribune (Florida) for 21 years. He has authored five previous books, including four works of NASCAR history: Big Bill–The Life and Times of NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr.; Bill France Jr.–The Man Who Made NASCAR;The NASCAR Family Album; and The NASCAR Vault. Branham is a graduate of the University of South Florida.

Holly Cain is a veteran sports reporter, having covered all forms of auto racing for more than three decades. She has worked at major newspapers in Tampa, Dallas and Seattle and numerous online publications such as AOL Fanhouse, CBS Sports, NASCAR.com and the NASCAR Wire Service. Cain is the author of Rusty’s Last Call, chronicling NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace’s farewell season. Cain is a graduate of the University of South Florida.

Publishing November 12, 2024 ∙ Hardcover, 192 pages, ∙ $40.00 US, $53.00 CAN ∙ ISBN: 9780760388785