Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Motorsports and American Culture: From Demolition Derbies to NASCAR

This collection of essays examines the relevancy of motorsports to American culture and history, from the late nineteenth century to the present. Addressing a wide spectrum of motorsports—such as stock car racing, demolition derbies, land speed record pursuits, and even staged train wrecks—the essays highlight the social and cultural implications of contemporary and historical moments in these events. Topics covered include gender roles in motorsports, hot rods and the creation of fan and participant identities, the appeal of demolition derbies, the globalization of motorsports, moonshine’s role in stock car history, the economic relationship between NASCAR and sponsors, and more.