Caribbean Capers
By Joel E. Finn
Subtitled “The Cuban Grand Prix Races of 1957, 1958 & 1960,” this book documents the trio of sports car races held in Cuba during the years surrounding the country’s conversion to communism as Fidel Castro’s revolution toppled the dictator Fulgencio Battista. Author Finn actually attended the races held in 1958 and 1960, and admits that publishing a proper history of the Cuban GPs had long been a personal ambition. That ambition has been realized in fine style with a 370-page work that exhaustively chronicles the trio of events.
The races themselves sprang from Battista’s desire to make Cuba a “destination” for visitors, as by the mid-’50s tourism had become the island nation’s primary industry. Havana had become the gambling center of the world—assisted by nefarious familial involvements from certain North Americans—but motor racing had also been popular in Cuba for many years. The Cubans initially wanted a round of the Formula One World Championship for the 3.5-mile Malecon Drive circuit along Havana’s harborfront, but when that effort was rebuffed, they shifted their sights to a round of the World Sports Car Championship. In the end they settled for non-championship sports car contests that still drew all the top names of the day.
Finn’s detailed text tells the story of these races, including the Fangio kidnapping of 1958, and when supplemented by superb photography results in an engrossing tale. Available for $199.95 plus shipping, from Racemaker Press, www.racemaker.com
