When I first started traveling, my go-to souvenir was a t-shirt, and then keychains and bookmarks.  Then bookmarks and magnets.  Somewhere along the way, I changed my choice of souvenirs that better reflect the location.  I gravitate toward art, particularly street art, and, of course, books.  Sometimes these books are written by local authors, sometimes they are about the locale, and sometimes they are just a reflection of the location, like this week’s read.

My June 2022 road trip to Iowa included a stop at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum.  I was surprised and pleased that the gift shop had a whole wall of books.  I could have walked away with more than I could carry, but this time I just chose a notebook and one book (and a magnet and a Christmas ornament).  With so many choices, I could not pass up the Chris Economaki autobiography Let ‘Em All Go!, written with Dave Argabright.  I have become a big fan of motorsports history over the last few years, and this book is like sitting with Chris and listening to his stories of a lifetime in auto racing.  It has a conversational style, and the liberal use of exclamation points, which I would normally frown upon, feel like I can hear his joy and excitement of whatever story he is telling.  Mr. Economaki passed away in 2012, but I can hear his iconic voice in the words in this book.  I am only about a third of the way through, but I am thoroughly enjoying this detailed history.  I recommend checking out Dave Argabright’s full catalog of titles at www.daveargabright.com, or stop by the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville, Iowa and check out their selection in person.