March 12, 2009

Author Gary Ludwig to Sign Copies of New Tommy Hinnershitz Bio

Allentown, PA - Sportswriter and novelist Gary Ludwig will appear at America on Wheels transportation museum from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 to sign copies of his new biography "Tommy Hinnershitz, The Life and Times of an Auto Racing Legend."

Known to fans across the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania as "The Flying Dutchman," Hinnershitz, also known as "The Oley Dirt Farmer" and "The Flying Farmer," raced during an era without safety equipment or concerns. It was before seat belts, roll bars, and cages. He and his contemporaries seemed to embrace a greater lack of fear, adopting the adage that tragedy can't happen to them, only to the "other guy." Tommy Hinnershitz was there through it all, and he was one of those that survived. He was a true pioneer of American auto-racing.

There at the beginning of the sport of auto racing, Hinnershitz was one of a handful of daredevil athletes, the champions who invented the broadslide; going in low and coming off high, or vice versa. After leading the way, setting the pace, and developing the style, Hinnershitz set himself apart from all the others; he went in high and stayed there.

"There are many, many race fans still in this area who remember seeing Tommy Hinnershitz compete at the Allentown Fairgrounds, Dorney Park and other race tracks throughout the region," said Linda Merkel, Executive Director of the America on Wheels transportation museum. "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to present Gary Ludwig and learn more about this exciting era in auto racing and the drivers who pioneered it." Ludwig, of Lebanon, Pa, is a veteran racing columnist and novelist with a diverse background that includes radio, copywriting, news and sports writing and entertaining. His previous books include "Mexico Road," a gritty mystery; and a fantasy titled "The Angels and Demons of Hamlin." Both are set in central Pennsylvania. Ludwig also lectures on a variety of regional topics, including Pennsylvania German culture and humor, auto racing and "The Blue-Eyed Six," an account of a notorious Pennsylvania murder in the 19th Century.

"Tommy Hinnershitz, The Life and Times of An Auto Racing Legend," offers a captivating look at the early days of auto racing and the evolution of the Sprint car. Readers will learn about the drivers, mechanics, owners and promoters - including Nazareth's Mario Andretti and Allentown's Eddie Sachs -- who used their ingenuity to create the sport of auto racing in an era of tough, high-speed competition.

The book, already a collector's item, is available at book stores and on-line. For more information, go to www.basketroadpress.com or http://www.hodgepodgeusa.coolbuild.com/tommyhinnershitz.html.

In addition, more than two dozen local race car drivers - including Tighe Scott, Archie Myers, Stephanie Stevens and Freddy Hamm -- will be on hand for the autograph session to sign autographs and talk about the sport with fans and visitors.

The elaborate galleries of the AOW feature the vehicles that put our nation, literally, on the road to international leadership in automotive transportation. Exhibits range from the latest in personal transportation vehicles, such as scooters and Segways, to the grand Mack Trucks that help feed and supply a growing country.

The "Legends of Speed" exhibit, which wraps up at the end of March, features more than 30 short-track racers, a replication of the famous Allentown garage of Hiram Hillegass and a tribute to the Lehigh Valley's own Mario Andretti with several of the actual cars that Andretti raced - including his Indianapolis 500 racers.

AOW also offers hands-on playtime exhibits and learning centers for the children and a souvenir shop for race fans and anyone with an affinity for our automotive legacy.

For More Information:
Linda Merkel - Executive Director
America On Wheels Museum
5 N. Front St. Allentown, PA
(610) 432-4200
director@americaonwheels.org
www.americaonwheels.org