Racing fans know exactly what Hemingway was talking about. Thunderous cars pounding by at hundreds of miles an hour only a few inches from each other in a breathtaking sport that combines physical and mental strength with death-defying intensity on every turn. And it's been like that for as long as people have been racing. No sport gets into your blood quite like America's fastest-growing sport -- stock car racing. Whether the talk turns to drivers, crews, cars or tracks, the subject will eventually consume even the most casual observer. As They Head for the Checkers richly chronicles the highs and lows of this exhilarating sport. From NASCAR's infancy in Daytona Beach to the sport's modern-day glitz, glamour and Wall Street appeal, the most memorable and emotional moments in stock car racing are recalled with sensational stories and brilliant photography. Author Kathy Persinger has captured not only some of the most memorable events in the history of stock car racing, but also some of the sport's most famous names. Come along for the ride and follow the incredible twists and turns as seen through the eyes of past racing legends, current heroes and future stars. The pages are dominated by legendary names such as Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison and Dale Earnhardt, as well as current heroes Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, Tony Stewart, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. and future stars Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, and Matt Kenseth. You can also relive these incredible moments through the thrilling sounds of an accompanying CD. The unique, digitally mastered CD contains more than an hour of riveting audio clips from the archives of Veteran Journalist Mark Garrow, as well as actual race calls from some of NASCAR's most exciting and emotional times. Find out why As They Head for the Checkers is a must read for every fan of America's fastest-growing sport. Book jacket.