If kids want to learn something about NASCAR, this entry in the Automania series is definitely the place to start. Eagen has done an excellent job explaining the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing--the history, the modification of the cars, the drivers, and the competitions--while conveying a sense of the magnitude of the sport's current fan base. Her lucid, interesting text gets a lift from plenty of high-energy photos of fans and competitions, including sepia-tone photos of early races. Unusual features include a short list of the flagman's traffic signals and information about some of safety features that have been added to cars over the years. A few words about sport headliners, among them the Earnhardts and Jeff Gordon, add a human touch, but it's disappointing to see just a few paragraphs devoted to women; although to date there are only a few female drivers (Shawna Robinson is mentioned), Eagen misses out by not discussing women's other contributions on the track and the huge numbers who follow the circuit.
